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Best In Show

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As odd as what I am about to say may sound, I suspect it will come true:

Some day, years from now, long after Christopher Guest's star as actor/writer/director has faded, but just before he dies, he will be seen for what he has done and be considered equal to Howard Hawks when it comes to his ability to create humor and--for lack of a better term--screwball comedy, as in "Bringing Up Baby".

For now, we must just wait for his next effort and cherish each of them as they come forth.

Christopher Guest's latest effort is entitled "Best In Show", and it is absolutely brilliant when it comes to creating screwbally comedy, which the late Hawks would no doubt celebrate.

"Best In Show" is a wicked, sharp-edged, funny, funny, funny mock-u-mentary that takes aim at a Philadelphia dog show, and, using everything from sex jokes to plastic dog poo, hits dead nuts on.

"Best In Show" is constructed on a quick banter dialogue delivery style and improvisational comedy, the likes of which can still be found alive and well in Canada's "Air Farce" and ABC's "Whose Line Is It Anyway".

Simply, it is funny. It is funny because it does what Hawks did with his comedy and builds on it: It considers reality, then goes a dozen steps beyond into the extreme, taking numerous detours along the way. Consider as example one Meg Swan (Parker Posey), who rages and rants and heaves and froths (I thought only canines did this) as she attackes and assaults a store clerk who cannot provide her with a desired toy for her mutt: A Busy Bee dog toy. The way she wails and howls and screeches about this one would think the dog were suffering a snakebit or bee sting and she seeks a remedy: "Busy Bee! Busy Bee! BUSY BEE!"

In the beginnings of "Best In Show" we are introduced to dogs and their owners. First in their homes, then at the Mayflower Kennel Club's dog show (Think: the narrative of "This Is Spinal Tap" and you can appreciate the construction of "Best In Show".)

At the dog show there is a telecast of events transpiring. Nothing unusual to that. But Guest takes it to the next level with a color commentary by Buck Laughlin (Fred Willard), who is apparently inspired (with skewed love) by Joe Garagiola: He is not quite plugged into reality, he is genial, he is chatty, he is easily distracted, and is very unorthodox. Consider as example his wondering aloud if a bribe would assist in judging; his comments and verbal observations in response to a dog's sincere attempts to hump his owner's leg; his speculations about the dog engaging in what is role-playing to achieve his desired goal.