Babo 73 (1964) - Robert Downey Sr

Robert Downey Sr's debut feature Babo 73, is a wild, slapstick political satire chronicling the trials and tribulations of a newly elected president.  Shot on an ultra-low budget 16mm, the film mercilessly takes on politics in very fun and inventive ways.  It's clear that Downey's voice is particularly raw in this film, with so many ideas being thrown at the viewer at a mile a minute, yet his passion really shines through.  The comedy is of the absurdest variety, full of randomness and inventive scenarios.   As wild as this film is, I found it to be incredibly truthful and accurate in capturing all the diversity and dissension taking place in our country, particularly in political circles.  The president is portrayed as a moron, though good-natured, with his "left" and "right" hand men bickering and fighting amongst themselves for the president's ear.   Many of these characters are portrayed more like children, trying to get there way, and the United States is called the "United Status" in Downey's absurdest satire.  Some will enjoy Babo 73 completely on a comical level, which the film completely delivers on, but it really has some pretty great absurdest surrealism going on, and at times makes some rather timely comments about the political landscape of our country.
7.75/10

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