Typically, single movies or franchises find success because of the initial impression they leave on their audience. Majority of the time it’s because the viewing experience was undoubtedly positive and was unlike any other movie seen before. This movie itself is no stranger to that kind of response when it comes to its history. Yet looking at it now can make a viewer wonder, “How did this launch a franchise of several more sequels”? It really is rather baffling after seeing this film because apparently it was a big hit and launched Peter Sellers, one of the co-stars into Hollywood stardom. Somehow though this film is hardly the laughing riot it’s declared to be, as it is remarkably tedious in its execution from veteran filmmaker Blake Edwards.
The story is about a rare pink diamond called the pink panther, which is in the possession of a princess (Claudia Cardinale), who plans on having a party. Due to recent robberies though from an elusive thief who goes by the name of “the phantom”, Inspector Clouseau (Peter Sellers) is hoping to nab them once and for all. The screenplay was written by Maurice Richlin and co-written by Blake Edwards and somehow doesn’t make much of a difference. Sadly, for whatever positive there is to mention about the film, there’s an equal negative about it. Blake Edwards’ direction on the story is very slow a for crime comedy. There are numerous scenes that drag on for what seems like more than needed. This extended time with certain characters leaves others feeling neglected and mostly disconnected from the main plot. Unfortunately, this leads to probably the biggest surprise.
The comedic elements are just not that funny. Maybe at the time they were, but as time has passed only some parts may induce a laugh here or there. That’s jaw dropping when this is supposedly the entry that started it all. Considering Peter Sellers wasn’t universally found to be nearly as funny until after this movie; it’s amazing anyone did! Peter Sellers as clueless Clouseau can do physical comedy, but he’s barely in the movie. Understandably so, since he was not ultimately the main star until after the release, but still. How did anyone find Seller’s performance hilarious if he was barely in it? That’s not to say the acting isn’t good. Far from it. All thespians involved act appropriately for their characters. There’s numerous veteran actors that have roles in the story.
There are appearances from David Niven as Sir Charles Lytton, Robert Wagner plays his son George Lytton, Capucine plays Clouseau’s wife Simone and Colin Gordon plays Clouseau’s assistant Tucker. The unbalanced focus though is what throws these performances off. Characters tend to have contradicting motives that get revealed as the run time continues. While some may see the comedy in this, to others it may not make sense. The only actor who in its purest sense is attempting real comedy is Peter Sellers with his physical slapstick. As mentioned before, while he may not be as prevalent as one would expect, Sellers does make his character do things that can produce a laugh. Whether it’s tripping over things or misusing objects, it’s humorous. It’s just disappointing he’s not there all the time.
Visually speaking the movie is competent looking. Handling the camera was Philip H. Lathrop who knew Blake Edwards as well. What perhaps came to be the most recognizable aspect of this film though was the music composed by Henry Mancini. The sound of the score is probably one of the most fitting lounge about melody types one could hear. Not only does it juxtapose the complete opposite that is Inspector Clouseau, but its themes are probably the most memorable. Mancini’s orchestrations are highlighted with piano, saxophone and what appears to be accordion which is rare for film music. Too bad the rest of the film couldn’t be as unique.
Either it’s just that time hasn’t been nice to the jokes in this film or clearly no one had ever seen a comedy before, when the film first came out. It’s astonishing that this was the movie that created the franchise fans enjoy so much. While the slapstick from Sellers is enjoyable, he’s not a huge spotlight to the experience. The pacing drags for far too long in varying spots, many of the jokes don’t produce laughter and character motives are confusing. Music is really the only thing a viewer can count on 100%.
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