Awkward at first and then wonderfully awkward throughout, Bad Fever hits with a sudden ending and then
it's over. Although the film isn't
quite as consistent as I would've liked, it also speaks to the central
character of the film, Eddie.
Eddie is a loner. He wants to be a stand-up comedian and carries
around a recorder with him to tape his act. Eddie isn't your typical comedian.
He longs for someone to talk to and interact with, and when he meets Irene he
thinks he's found it. The only problem is that Irene is a drifter and doesn't
like commitment. Eddie won't ever understand.
Like I said, in the beginning I wasn't sure whether I would like
this movie or not. The story wasn't going anywhere and we learned very little
about Eddie. Then, when he met Irene, things changed. I began to connect with
Eddie. The actor, Kentucker Audley, is phenomenal in the role, especially when
Eddie finally gets to do his stand-up act in front of people.
The relationship between Irene and Eddie is odd by normal
standards, but then again they aren't entirely normal. The characters
connection really depicts everyone's need to be understood by someone else. We
all just want to have someone to talk to.
There was no formula for Bad
Fever. It played out as organically as it could and stayed true to its
characters. Yet when it ended it was so abrupt that I felt tricked. I needed a
better conclusion than what I was given. You'll still be able to see the
message, but wish for maybe five more minutes with Eddie.
I mostly enjoyed Bad Fever
because I enjoyed watching Eddie. The way he thinks and how he speaks is
interesting enough to make you want to understand him. Still, if I had been
given a whole ending, and spared the boring beginning, I think Bad Fever could've been better.
