The Odd Job – BLU-RAY

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Following their split in 1974 (it’s worth noting that John Cleese had already departed a year earlier), the Monty Python members embarked on separate endeavors shortly afterward. Terry Gilliam focused on directing, Eric Idle formed The Rutles, Michael Palin and Terry Jones worked together on Ripping Yarns, and Cleese delved into a sitcom about a hotel in Torquay. This left only Chapman, who took on various roles but gained noteworthy attention with a short-lived sitcom pilot featuring Ronnie Barker. The plot revolved around a man whose wife leaves him, causing him to hire an odd job man to kill him unexpectedly. However, when his wife returns, he discovers that the hitman is determined to carry out the assassination regardless.

Together with co-writer Bernard McKenna, they expanded the script into a full-length feature film, casting Chapman as the protagonist and David Jason as an unconventional laborer hired to perform the assassination. However, instead of a series of swift, comedic slapstick sequences, it developed into a comedy with a slow pace, filled with painstakingly planned moments. This could be due to Chapman’s challenging nature when collaborating, as Cleese himself acknowledged during their time in Monty Python, and his alcoholism didn’t make things easier. Yet, Chapman delivered an outstanding performance in The Odd Job, embodying the rigid, buttoned-up character prone to fits of hysteria – a characteristic that defined many of his roles, making him indispensable as the lead in Monty Python films like Holy Grail and Life of Brian. It’s hard to envision those movies with anyone else but him in the starring role.

The script often appeared as though it was nearly ready to be significantly improved, a situation not made easier by the original director Cliff Owen, who had previously directed successful feature films like those starring Morecambe & Wise, Dick Emery, and Steptoe & Son. Unfortunately, due to an accident, Owen was unable to complete the project, leaving only weeks before production began. Peter Medak, a highly skilled director, was then brought on board as a replacement. Known for directing films such as ‘The Changeling’ (a supernatural classic) and ‘The Krays’ (1990) as well as ‘Let Him Have it’, Medak excelled in grounded dramas rather than comedy. Consequently, his comedic touch didn’t always translate effectively, causing some of the slapstick humor to fall flat.

This release might pique the interest of Python enthusiasts, especially since it’s making its debut on Blu-ray. Not only that, but it comes packed with additional features such as an introductory speech by the director, Peter Medak, and more…

  • Audio Interview with Peter Medak
  • The Odd Job Men– Zoom reunion between star Sir David Jason and Peter Medak
  • The Unusual Work– Interview with writer Bernard McKenna
  • Producer, An Odd Job– Interview with co-producer Mark Forstater
  • The Odd Batch– Interview with actor Richard O’Brien
  • The Naughty Neighbour– Interview with actress Carolyn Seymour
  • Most Peculiar Craft– Interview with actor Simon Williams

 

Feature Specs for THE ODD JOB:

  • Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
  • Audio: English Mono
  • Closed Captions: English SDH
  • Runtime: 88 mins
  • Region: A/B/C

In simpler terms, the movie didn’t do well at theaters, its U.S. release struggled, and after this, Chapman retreated to the protective surroundings of Monty Python where they created their controversial film “Life of Brian,” which became his most significant work before he passed away in 1989.

The uncommon The Odd Job, scarcely viewed since its debut in 1978, remains a captivating watch for enthusiasts of Monty Python.

We had a chat with film producer, Mark Forstater, discussing the production process of the movie and revealing some behind-the-scenes insights.

Here’s The Odd Job trailer…..

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2025-08-31 02:23