Movies based on games in general have definitely become a thing in the last two decades or so. However, those adaptations are more relegated to video games. There are in fact other movies based on board games, but this pool of choices is significantly smaller by comparison. While the film wasn't a success, Clue (1985) has gained a reputation among its fans and is considered to be one of the best. It's quite intriguing to say the least considering making a board game into a full motion picture is not the easiest sounding thing to do. However, with the help of some entertaining performances and unique direction, any viewer who watches it probably won't come across anything else like it. In order to come up with such ideas, one would really have to sit down and think creatively.
The story follows very close to the game by having the audience introduced to group of individuals all under pseudonyms. Mrs. Peacock (Eileen Brennan), Mrs. White (Madeline Kahn), Professor Plum (Christopher Lloyd), Mr. Green (Michael McKean), Colonel Mustard (Martin Mull), Miss Scarlet (Lesley Ann Warren), Yvette (Colleen Camp), Mr. Boddy (Lee Ving) are all the guests, served by Wadsworth (Tim Curry) the butler. They all soon realize they have common connections between each other that could hurt each other’s reputation. However, when the host of the gathering is killed, it's up to the group of mysterious characters to figure it out for themselves. This is the directorial debut of Jonathan Lynn, who would later direct My Cousin Vinny (1992), The Distinguished Gentleman (1992) and The Whole Nine Yards (2000).
The screenplay was also penned by Lynn and director John Landis (The Blues Brothers (1980)) would help in the story prior to the screenplay. For what's shown, the way the mystery plays out is pretty rare for its time, even by today's films. Even the film crew made three different endings and had them played at different theaters. No one does that anymore! How the characters interact with each other is mostly how one would expect them to behave. Each scene leads to a new discovery, which drives more verbals spats and relinquishment of secretive information. All of this is believable because anyone in such a situation would feel the same way. Panic and frustration can cause people to make irrational decisions. That doesn't mean the execution doesn't have its flaws. Was it due to it being Lynn's first directorial outing? Maybe.
The biggest thing that perhaps doesn't translate well to the film medium is time. Unlike a board game that immerses a player in the story. The film doesn't actively have the viewer participate in the story other than watching. And with that, the runtime is an issue. There are parts in the movie that go about explaining how things are done. Yet, due to the run time, that exposition can feel rushed. Contrary to a board game where players can sit, discuss and explain to each other what's happening for as long as they want without a time limit. If a viewer misses a piece of information here though, forget trying to catch up. This can be confusing. The only other minor tidbit is that the comedy isn't laugh out loud funny. It has some good chuckles and moments that'll make a viewer laugh, but nothing that's fall over laugh inducing.
The visuals to the movie are well crafted for 1985. The set of the mansion provides a great atmosphere with the setting. The camerawork was handled by Victor J. Kemper and it was competent enough for the movie. Kemper was also the cinematographer for The Gambler (1974), Magic (1978), National Lampoon's Vacation (1983), Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) and Tommy Boy (1995). The music was another plus to this film experience. Composed by John Morris, the score to this picture captures the goofy frenetic nature and mysteriousness of the setting at hand. There's a mix of synthesizers, organic horn orchestra and even a calliope. Morris would also lend his talents to The Producers (1967), Blazing Saddles (1974), Young Frankenstein (1974), The Elephant Man (1980) and Spaceballs (1987). Well done!
Due to the translation of board game to movie, viewers need to be quick to pick up on hints and explanations. Otherwise, they may get lost. Aside from the comedy not being gut busting, the actors do a great job, the story is a fascinating watch and the music compliments the style of the film well.
Points Earned --> 7:10
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