Best In Show

Editor’s Note: Since the amazing Christopher Guest celebrated his birthday this past Sunday, here is a look back at one of his amazing films.  And no, it’s not Princess Bride!  Our fav contributor Teacup takes a look at the hilarious Best In Show!  Happy Birthday Chris!

I recently sat down to watch Best In Show, a comedy by Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy. Best in Show follows five dogs and each their eccentric owners on their quest to win 'Best in Show' at the fictional Mayflower Kennel Dog Club Show. Guest and Levy's other works include the cult classic This is Spinal Tap and A Mighty Wind.

 

The film is in documentary style, or, to be more specific, mockumentary style, parodying both the people who attend and compete in dog shows and the documentary style itself. Presenting the story in documentary style is a storytelling choice I'm not usually fond of, but Best in Show makes it work. The documentary style, in which the actors speak to the camera and help tell the story, makes a film more intimate, as if you're being spoken to by the actors on screen, creating a deeper connection between the audience and the actors. It also allows the filmmaker to treat their subject matter in a completely serious matter, which is great for a comedy. Each neurotic character trait and each awkward moment is intensified by the supposed 'real life' aspect of the 'documentary.' And Best In Show is definitely full of awkward moments and neurotic character traits.