The film takes us on a journey through the life of Doug Kenney, a quirky, brilliant, and often erratic man, who never quite fit into any mold. The story begins with Kenney’s days at Harvard University, where he befriended fellow classmate, Henry Beard. Together, they established the Harvard Lampoon, a satirical magazine that would lay the foundation for their later success. However, it’s their move to New York, where they started the National Lampoon, that the film really picks up.
The National Lampoon was unlike any other comedic outlet, often pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable. Kenney saw the magazine as a platform to voice his opinions and showcase his creativity. The magazine’s irreverent humor and provocative content gained a cult following, with readers becoming devotees of its humor.
The film captures the spirit of the magazine and its tumultuous journey to the top. But at the center of it all was Doug Kenney, a man who found success but couldn’t handle the pressure that came with it. The film portrays Kenney’s struggles with addiction, his tumultuous relationships, and the fear of being forgotten in the world of comedy.
The real life Doug Kenney was a complex character, a man who was both loved and loathed by those who knew him. The film does justice to that complexity, showcasing Kenney as someone who was both brilliant and flawed. Actor Will Forte delivers a standout performance, imbuing Kenney with a certain sense of charm that makes it easy to be drawn to him, while also demonstrating his self-destructive qualities.
The film also manages to pay homage to Kenney’s work and that of the National Lampoon. The movie features some of the magazine’s most famous pieces, such as the spoof Coca-Cola ad campaign, which became one of the magazine’s most iconic works.
But at the heart of the film is the story of a man who found success but couldn’t handle it. The film explores Kenney’s struggle with depression, addiction, and the pressures of living up to the expectations of others. His spiral into self-destruction is depicted in a way that is both heartbreaking and poignant.
In the end, A Futile and Stupid Gesture is a tribute to a man who was ahead of his time, whose work has continued to inspire generations of comedians long after his death. It’s a film that honors the legacy of Doug Kenney, a man whose life was cut short. A Futile and Stupid Gesture is not just a biopic, but a celebration of laughter, creativity, and the power of comedy.