The Cable Guy Movie Review

The Cable Guy (1996)

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Written by: Lou Holtz Jr.
Directed by: Ben Stiller
Starring: Jim Carrey, Matthew Broderick, Leslie Mann, Jack Black, George Segal, Ben Stiller, Eric Roberts, Janeane Garofalo, Andy Dick, David Cross, Owen Wilson
Rated: PG-13
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Plot
A lonely and mentally disturbed cable guy raised on television just wants a new friend, but his target, a designer, rejects him with bad consequences.

Verdict
This blends comedy with a dark story of obsession. Carrey provides his usual physical comedy, but the subtext is bleak. He's a man without a friend, desperate for any human connection. His television obsession creates a character disconnected from the real world. It's this precept that makes Carrey's almost silly performance more believable. The performance and dark subtext makes this movie unique. With so many memorable scenes, multiple viewings can be a lot of fun.
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Review
I loved this movie, seeing it soon after it came out. It was quotable, funny, and entertaining. Sure it was dark, but Carrey's performance was electric. I remember quoting it months after I watched it.

Jim Carrey plays Chip.

This wasn't a popular movie. Carrey played such a dark character and I have to assume people wanted more of Ace Ventura. This character exhibits Carrey's physical performance characteristics, but the subtext is sinister.

The original script wasn't a comedic stalker parody. It was a traditional comedy written by an L.A. attorney. Chris Farley was in talks for the lead, but Judd Apatow rewrote the script for Carrey, adding Carrey's physical comedy and a very dark story. Apatow lost a hearing to get credit on the script.

I like this movie. The humor is a bit over the top yet really dark. I never understood why it wasn't more popular. It's easy to see Chip is lonely. Steven's trying to be nice, but you have to imagine that gets him in trouble.

Chip is what an adult raised on television looks like, slightly lonely with his understanding of the world based on the false reality on television. He's clingy, obsessive, and a bit silly. Carrey's performance is very physical and makes this movie lighter than it otherwise would be. Chip's plans are exactly what someone raised on television would do. Television plots can be quirky.

Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick play Chip and Steven.

There are so many scenes I love. Chip warming up for basketball, Medieval Times, Jefferson Airplane...
No one else could pull this off. It's over the top, it's dark, and it's exactly how someone obsessed with television would act. This could easily be a thriller, but it's played with a slight comedic flair. It's a strange tone, but it works. It's not an all out comedy, but that also lightens the mood.

Steven is trying to be nice, but Chip is pushy, a little scary. "I can be your best friend or your worst enemy." When Chip's affections aren't returned he gets mean and vengeful. Wielding free cable he's able to bend people to his will and make Steven's life difficult. Television is the way into every circle.