The latest Butler Bros. Brew, Confusions of an Unmarried Couple is a treat likened to finding the last brewsky in the ice chest, or enough roaches in the ashtray to make one last doob. A woman who doesn't know what she wants, a man who knows what he wants but can't have it, two ingenious brothers from Toronto who know exactly what they want, what we want, and how to pass it to us without a bogey. Brett and Jason lead us into a searing and hysterical foray through the functions of a dysfunctional couple who are on the precipice of either marriage or disaster (is there a difference?), blending a unique twist on breaking up into a mash of self-discovery and self-absorbency.
Lisa and Dan were a happy couple experiencing the life of love and laughter until Dan proposed. Lisa was so happy that she had to share the news with her old friend Jill who just happened to call. As often does, excitement of the heart led to excitement of the body and Jill happened to be available. Dan came home to what could have been a manly fantasy, but disturbed him beyond reason. Several months of video rehab with his brother, a few pranks and a lot of beer later, Dan confronts Lisa, and the match is on. The interaction of the couple is reflective of the post breakup meet ups of scores of people through the years, the dysfunction undeniably real. Dan's brother provides "documentary" evidence of the meeting along with flashbacks and running commentary by each party.
Working without a Hollywood budget means working because you love the work. That sensibility is evident in each Butler Brew, and 'Confusions of an Unmarried Couple' is no exception. Yes, there is profanity. Deal with it. The reality of relationships is that emotions get going and grammar is gone. The reality on steroids is what makes the film such a fun jaunt. Dan (Brett Butler), torn between his love for Lisa (Naomi Johnson) and his moral stance that cheating is cheating despite male fantasy, is portrayed believably and with true emotion; the keyword here being believably. Sure we could have had Vince Vaughn do the dialogue in a typical west coast format, but then we would lose the essence and have an entirely different movie.
I have heard the arguments that "this is a story about messed up relationships is old territory covered many, many times", and I have to ask myself the question, "Is there anything TRULY new coming out of Hollywood?" No. Formulas work and have for 90 years. Again, deal with it.
For anyone seeking a good laugh at a painful subject which nearly all of us have experienced at one time or another, 'Confusions' is a smart, witty ride that will leave you grateful that the indie isn't dead.
Pass me a cold one, and kill the lights.
