The Freshman: A Comedy You Can't Refuse
"The Freshman," a 1990 American crime comedy film, written and directed by Andrew Bergman, starring Marlon Brando, Matthew Broderick, Bruno Kirby, Maximilian Schell, Penelope Ann Miller, and Frank Whaley, revolves around a naive film student's entanglement with a mob boss and an unusual scheme involving endangered species. The film cleverly parodies Mafia movie tropes while delivering a unique and hilarious story.
Plot Summary
Clark Kellogg (Matthew Broderick) leaves his Vermont home and his environmental activist stepfather, Dwight, to study film at New York University (NYU). Upon arriving at Grand Central Terminal, he's swindled by Victor Ray (Bruno Kirby), who offers him a ride but steals his luggage and money. Desperate, Clark seeks help from his unsympathetic film professor, Fleeber (Paul Benedict).
Fate intervenes when Clark spots Victor and gives chase, leading him to Carmine Sabatini (Marlon Brando), a local "importer" who bears a striking resemblance to a certain cinematic godfather. Carmine promises to retrieve Clark's belongings and offers him a job, which Clark soon discovers is working for the Mafia.
Carmine's first task for Clark is to pick up a Komodo dragon from JFK Airport and deliver it to a specific address in New Jersey. During this time, Clark meets Carmine's daughter, Tina (Penelope Ann Miller), who instantly takes a liking to him and jokingly suggests they will soon be married.
As Clark becomes further involved in Carmine's affairs, he learns that Carmine, also known as "Jimmy the Toucan," runs the Fabulous Gourmet Club. This exclusive, nomadic establishment caters to wealthy patrons willing to pay exorbitant prices to dine on endangered animals, prepared by the eccentric chef Larry London (Maximilian Schell).
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Clark's stepfather, Dwight, overhears a conversation about the Komodo dragon and contacts the Department of Justice. Carmine reveals that the Gourmet Club does exist, but he claims that the Justice Department agents, Greenwald and Simpson, are corrupt and bribed by a rival crime family seeking to eliminate him and Clark.
At the Gourmet Club's extravagant dinner, Bert Parks, the former Miss America pageant host, makes a cameo, singing "There She Is" as the Komodo dragon is presented. Clark, believing he's doing the right thing, signals Greenwald and Simpson to raid the club. However, the agents reveal their true colors by seizing a duffel bag full of money and fleeing, only to be apprehended by real FBI agents.
In a twist, Carmine reveals that his death was faked, and Larry London explains that the endangered animals were never actually served. Instead, the guests were tricked into eating Hawaiian tigerfish mixed with smoked turkey, a long-running con to swindle the rich and fund the Carmine Sabatini Endangered Species Wing at the Bronx Zoo. Tina's infatuation with Clark was also part of the act, but a genuine attraction has developed between them.
The film concludes with Carmine and Clark walking the Komodo dragon, promising it will be taken to a safe habitat at the zoo. Carmine offers to use his connections to help Clark succeed in Hollywood.
Cast and Characters
- Marlon Brando as Carmine Sabatini: A Mafia boss who parodies his iconic role as Vito Corleone in "The Godfather." Brando's performance is a masterclass in comedic timing and self-parody, making Sabatini both lovable and believably dangerous.
- Matthew Broderick as Clark Kellogg: A naive and earnest film student who gets caught up in Carmine's schemes. Broderick plays the perfect straight man to Brando's comedic genius, reacting with believable disbelief to the absurd situations he finds himself in.
- Bruno Kirby as Victor Ray: Carmine's fast-talking nephew, who sets the plot in motion by stealing Clark's belongings. Kirby brings a rat-a-tat energy to his role, emphasizing Carmine's every word.
- Penelope Ann Miller as Tina Sabatini: Carmine's daughter, who initially feigns interest in Clark but develops a genuine connection with him.
- Maximilian Schell as Larry London: A demented German chef who prepares the exotic (and not-so-exotic) dishes for the Gourmet Club.
- Frank Whaley as Steve Bushak: Clark's slick college roommate.
- Paul Benedict as Professor Arthur Fleeber: Clark's egotistical film professor.
Themes and Analysis
"The Freshman" explores several themes, including:
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- The allure and absurdity of the Mafia: The film satirizes the romanticized image of the Mafia often portrayed in movies, highlighting the outlandishness of their world while still acknowledging their power and influence.
- The clash of innocence and experience: Clark's naivete is constantly challenged by the bizarre and often illegal activities he becomes involved in, forcing him to question his values and make difficult choices.
- The importance of environmentalism: While the endangered-animals subplot is played for laughs, it also raises awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species and the consequences of greed and exploitation.
- The power of self-parody: Brando's willingness to send up his most iconic role is a testament to his talent and confidence as an actor. His performance elevates the film from a simple comedy to a truly memorable cinematic experience.
Production Notes
Andrew Bergman conceived the idea for "The Freshman" after reading a newspaper article about a mobster arrested for smuggling a near-extinct lizard into the United States. Brando was cast in 1988 and received a $3 million salary.
Bergman said rewriting the script, knowing Brando was going to say the lines, was "absolutely heaven." He also noted that while directing Brando could be challenging, Brando was "terribly respectful and funny."
Matthew Broderick agreed to do the film because of Brando's involvement. Principal photography was delayed and eventually took place in New York City and Toronto. Although referred to as a "Komodo dragon" in the film, the lizards used were actually Asian water monitors.
Marlon Brando initially condemned "The Freshman," fearing it would be a failure, after the producers refused to pay him an additional $1 million when filming went over schedule. However, he retracted his statements after receiving the money.
Reception
"The Freshman" was well-received by critics, with a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 50 reviews. Janet Maslin of The New York Times praised the film as "witty and enchanted."
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Critics particularly lauded Brando's performance, with many noting his willingness to parody his iconic role as Vito Corleone. Broderick's performance as the naive and earnest Clark was also praised, as was the supporting cast.
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