THE LIVING WAKE World Cinema: American Showcase

Mike O’Connell’s story of a quixotic character living in a small country town is the kind of comedy that clasps you to its bosom… and reeks lightly of gin. It’s the final day in the life of self-proclaimed artist and genius K. Roth Binew (played by O’Connell). the town drunk, fool and, more valuably, dreamer. Binew manages to elevate his drab and somewhat pitiful existence into a fascinating personal mythology, and for his final day enlists his best friend, the unrecognized poet and biographer Mills Joquin, to chronicle his final hours.

As the eccentric duo departs on this fateful day-Joquin driving Binew around town on a bicycle-powered rickshaw. Binew hands out invitations to his final party, a living wake , where he will do a short performance. Jesse Eisenberg as Joquin, is the devoted boy servant who is only of slight help in keeping Binew’s feet on the ground. Sol Tryon directs with confidence, making this comedy look easy, and turning a would-be cult film into one with breakout potential.