It’s worthy of note that amidst the plethora of blockbuster movies, often formulaic and derivative, one can still find the odd and quirky on-conforming gem. Such is the case with Brian and Charles, a whimsical and charming entertainment. In fact, the film is so decidedly out of the norm that it lasted on Vancouver screens for only one week, though it is currently available on Prime Video.
Taking the form of a mockumentary, the movie introduces viewers to Brian, a lonely bachelor living in an untidy cottage near a village in the heart of the beautiful Welsh countryside. Despite his rather sad existence, Charles manages to retain an entirely optimistic outlook on life, largely evidenced by his many efforts at inventing some sort of revolutionary device.
Although heretofore he has been unable to come up with anything more practical than a belt to hold eggs, a purse covered with pinecones, and a flying cuckoo clock, he persists in his endeavours. His optimism pays off when he creates a robot out of a washing machine – a robot which he names Charles.
What follows is a delightfully entertaining riff on the Frankenstein story as Charles is brought to life by a thunderstorm and then develops his quirky relationship with Brian, who eventually has to deal with what happens when his creature comes into contact with the larger society.
Although Brian and Charles clearly aims at being nothing more than a delightful diversion, laced with a multitude of chuckle-inducing moments, it is easy to overlook the skill involved in its creation. The mockumentary approach, which essentially removes the “fourth wall” as much of the film is directly addressed to the audience, demands enormous skill by the actor.
David Earl as Charles winningly portrays the optimism and warmth of his character without once lapsing into the saccharine. Chris Hayward as Charles from within his cumbersome costume manages to create a character which is both three-dimensional and endearing as he learns to manage the world into which he has been thrust. The small supporting cast do yeoman service as they turn stock characters into believable people. Director John Archer guides the proceedings with skill.
As is fitting in such a droll and lighthearted vehicle, the story develops in a series of mini climaxes leading to a comforting conclusion. It is a film which many will find diverting and a pleasant 90-minute venture into a land of upbeat fantasy.
Anyone looking for a smashing and special-effects-laden piece of sci-fi will be disappointed, while those looking for something completely and entertainingly different will delight in the playful Brian and Charles.
