Sam Garbarski tries his hand at New York style comedy with Vijay & I
- Sam Garbarski’s fourth feature, Vijay & I throws its atypical cast (Moritz Bleibtreu, Patricia Arquette, Danny Pudi) into a variation on the theme of the New York style comedy
New York style comedy is a genre of its own in world cinema, which is far from being in the hands of Americans alone. With Vijay & I [+see also:
trailer
interview: Sam Garbarski
film profile], Sam Garbarski (see interview) gives it a go, delightfully fulfilling the genre’s formal codes. We therefore have a European actor looking for work, choking just as much in his Bad Luck Bunny costume (a children’s TV series character) as he does in his home, stuck between his wife (a couple’s therapist) and his teenage daughter. Through a lucky (or unlucky, we’re not sure anymore) combination of circumstances, the media announce his tragic disappearance. He grabs the opportunity to secretly attend his own funeral and discover what his family and friends truly think of him. In the role of Vijay, an Indian banker, he falls in love with his wife again, who isn’t indifferent to his very oriental charm.
This leads to a love story made of delicious memories and new sensations. With taxis, palaces, television studios, an Indian restaurant, an unscrupulous agent and real-fake immigrants dreaming of a better life, Vijay & I offers a declination of locations and characters typical of genre comedies, going so far as to borrow traditional quiet jazz melodies. While he falls within the lines of an ultra-codified universe, Garbarski manages to surprise with a gently irreverent ending. To play the role of his failed actor turned flamboyant Indian, Garbaski bet on the right number with Moritz Bleitbeu who is really convincing, transformed by his costume.
Released by Imagine Film Distribution, the film is screened in 10 cinemas in Brussels, Anvers and Wallonia. Vijay & I is produced by Entre chien et loup, in coproduction with Samsa Film, Pandora Filmproduktion, and the RTBF, with the backing of the CCA and Wallimage.
(Translated from French)
Did you enjoy reading this article? Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive more stories like this directly in your inbox.
