Alaloum

Alaloum is the first television work of Harry Klynn and his best to date. In this movie Harry deploys his rich talent and proves why he is considered one of the best Greek comedians. His lines are witty, he knows exactly what he wants from everyone involved (from directors to actors) and he both creates and brings to life some great comic personas. The influence of Harry's stand-up comedy years in the States is everywhere.

Alaloum emits freshness all along. It resonated immediately with the Greek audiences and established Harry as the leading comedian to make fun of the Greek society and folklore.

This movie has now a cult status and is even liked by younger people who did not live in this era. It is a dark and very poignant comedy. The only flaw I can find is purely technical: The sound is amateurish at best.

It is a shame that the quality of Harry's work progressively downgraded to a very low level.

This is Klynn's first and best attempt at cinema, and is actually more like 3 short films put together, or, more accurately, three short plays put together (Klynn is clearly influenced from live theatre; light-hearted review productions combining social and political commentary come to mind).

The characters Klynn plays in all his films, not just here, are caricatures he derives from the people around him; everyday and not-so-everyday people in modern society. His performances in this film are very good, and the film as a whole is hysterically funny. The inept detective who literally destroys a house and the lives of every person inside while trying to solve a crime that actually happened next door is my favourite.

Strongly recommended!