Shakes the Clown Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A drunk clown gets framed for murder by other clowns, so he infiltrates a mime school to clear his name, proving once and for all that mimes are the worst.

🍿 Shakes the Clown: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Shakes’ World

Shakes, played by Bobcat Goldthwait, is a deeply flawed party clown struggling with alcoholism. He’s good at his job when sober, but his addiction constantly gets in the way, leading to missed gigs and professional reprimands. His world is populated by other clowns, each with their own unique styles and vices, creating a bizarre and darkly comedic subculture.

Rising Tensions and Betrayal

Binky, a rival clown, wins the coveted spot on a local children’s television show, intensifying Shakes’ depression and professional jealousy. His boss, Owen Cheese, warns him to get his act together, but Shakes spirals further into alcoholism. The tension culminates in Owen Cheese discovering Binky’s involvement with drug-dealing rodeo clowns.

Framed for Murder

After a drunken blackout, Shakes awakens to find himself the prime suspect in Owen Cheese’s murder. Framed by Binky and the rodeo clowns, Shakes must clear his name. He goes on the run, seeking to uncover the truth behind the murder and expose those who set him up.

Undercover as a Mime

To evade the police and gather information, Shakes disguises himself as a mime, despite the intense animosity between clowns and mimes in his society. He enrolls in a mime class run by an eccentric instructor (Robin Williams), adding another layer of absurdity to his predicament. This highlights the subculture war in the film.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Shakes the Clown (Bobcat Goldthwait): An alcoholic party clown who is framed for the murder of his boss and must clear his name.
• Judy (Julie Brown): Shakes’ long-suffering girlfriend who works as a barmaid and tries to support him.
• Binky the Clown (Tom Kenny): The ambitious and villainous clown who frames Shakes for murder to advance his own career.
• Ty the Rodeo Clown (Bruce Baum): A rodeo clown involved in dealing coke who is part of the plot against Shakes.
• Owen Cheese (Paul Dooley): Shakes’ boss and mentor, who is murdered, leading to Shakes being framed.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Shakes: “Loved by children. Desired by woman. Adored by bartenders everywhere.” – This line introduces Shakes, encapsulating the idealized image of a clown contrasted with his reality.
• Binky: “Oh great, now I have to kill you too. Another red letter day for Binky…” – Binky says this casually after a murder, showcasing his sociopathic nature and dark humor.
• Binky: “You didn’t see nothin’, you saw five clowns eating a big plate of beef… white powdery beef.” – Binky attempts to cover up his drug use and implies a threat using euphemism.
• Mime Class Instructor (Robin Williams): “Miming is not a job! It’s a disease! And I’m the only one with the cure!” – The Mime Class Instructor says this during a class to underline the perceived absurdity of mime as a profession.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.4M
• Domestic Gross: $115,103
• Worldwide Gross: $115,103

💥 Shakes the Clown Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, “Shakes the Clown” is weird, but I loved it! The whole idea of clowns having their own little society with bars and rivalries is hilarious. Seeing Bobcat Goldthwait as a messed-up clown trying to get his life together was surprisingly relatable. And the mime school scene with Robin Williams? Pure genius. It’s definitely a movie you’ll either love or hate, but I’m firmly in the ‘love’ camp. Especially how Aunt Esther was cast, amazing!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedy”
  • “Bobcat Goldthwait fans”
  • “Viewers interested in cult films”
  • “Those who appreciate absurdist humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Alcoholism”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Suggestive themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “”Shakes the Clown” walks a tightrope between dark humor and unsettling reality. Goldthwait’s portrayal of alcoholism is raw, but the clown world setting can feel forced, making for an uneven viewing experience. It’s definitely not for everyone, but those who appreciate the bizarre may find it darkly funny.
• The New York Times: “Bobcat Goldthwait creates a genuinely twisted vision in “Shakes the Clown.” Its a surprisingly poignant examination of addiction and redemption, all wrapped in clown makeup and bizarre humor. The film’s unique atmosphere and strong supporting cast make it a cult classic.

Audience Reactions

The dark humor and absurdity of the clown world are both hilarious and disturbing.: Viewers appreciate the unique premise and committed performances from the cast, especially Bobcat Goldthwait and Tom Kenny.

The mime fight scene is a highlight, showcasing the film’s bizarre and over-the-top style.: Many found the movie’s dark take on alcoholism to be surprisingly honest and thought-provoking despite the comedic setting.

Overall Consensus: “Shakes the Clown” is a divisive but undeniably unique dark comedy that has earned a cult following for its bizarre premise, committed performances, and surprisingly poignant exploration of addiction.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Bobcat Goldthwait wrote, directed, and starred in the film, showcasing his unique comedic vision.”
• “Robin Williams appeared in the film as a mime instructor, but his name was credited as ‘Marty Fromage’ as a joke.”
• “The film satirizes the entertainment industry and explores themes of alcoholism and redemption in a dark and absurd manner.”
• “Many of the supporting actors, including Adam Sandler and Tom Kenny, went on to achieve significant success in comedy and voice acting.”

🖥️ How to Watch Shakes the Clown?

As a cult classic, ‘Shakes the Clown’ may be available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your preferred streaming service for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Shakes the Clown, you might like these similar films:

• Bad Santa (2003): Shares a similar dark comedic tone, featuring an anti-heroic character embodying a traditionally joyful figure.
• World’s Greatest Dad (2009): Also directed by Bobcat Goldthwait, exploring dark humor and unconventional characters in a satirical way.
• Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988): Features clowns as a central theme, blending horror and comedy in a cult classic.
• Mystery Men (1999): Shares the theme of deluded losers struggling to find meaning, in an offbeat Palookaville setting.

🛒 Shakes the Clown Related Products

• Shakes the Clown – Limited Edition Blu-Ray: Own a piece of cult cinema history with this limited edition Blu-Ray featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and commentary from Bobcat Goldthwait.
• Shakes the Clown – ‘Twisted Balloon’ T-Shirt: Show your allegiance to the clowns of Palookaville with this exclusive t-shirt featuring the iconic ‘Twisted Balloon’ bar logo.
• “Shakes the Clown” Movie Poster: Own the theatrical release poster for Shakes the Clown, perfect decor for any cult movie fan.
• Clowning Around: The Unofficial Shakes the Clown Companion: A fan-made book about the movie with deep dives in the production.

🎧 Soundtrack

Shakes the Clown features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Pregnant and Sad” – performed by Tanya Scarlett
• “Too Much Joy” – performed by Too Much Joy

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Shakes The Clown – dog scene

Remember that crazy dog scene from ‘Shakes The Clown’? This clip perfectly captures the film’s dark and absurd humor. You have to see it to believe it!

✨ Rate