Buddy Buddy Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy hitman just wants to do his job, but a suicidal guy next door won’t stop accidentally photobombing his assassinations with existential dread.

🍿 Buddy Buddy: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Setting the Stage

Trabucco (Walter Matthau), a professional hitman, arrives in Riverside County, California, to eliminate the final witness in a Mafia trial. He checks into a hotel room strategically located across from the courthouse, planning to execute the hit from his window.

A Suicidal Neighbor

Next door to Trabucco is Victor Clooney (Jack Lemmon), a television censor devastated by his wife Celia’s affair with Dr. Zuckerbrot, a sex therapist. Clooney is determined to commit suicide, and his attempts constantly disrupt Trabucco’s carefully laid plans.

Clash of Desperation

Clooney’s persistent suicide attempts force Trabucco to intervene, leading to a series of chaotic and comedic encounters. Trabucco finds himself increasingly entangled in Clooney’s personal problems, jeopardizing his mission.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Victor Clooney (Jack Lemmon): A depressed and suicidal man who inadvertently foils a hitman’s plans as he tries to win back his estranged wife.
• Trabucco (Walter Matthau): A professional hitman whose meticulously planned assassination is constantly disrupted by his suicidal neighbor.
• Celia Clooney (Paula Prentiss): Victor’s estranged wife who has left him for a quack sex therapist.
• Dr. Hugo Zuckerbrot (Klaus Kinski): The eccentric and unconventional sex therapist with whom Celia is having an affair.
• Rudy ‘Disco’ Gambola (Fil Formicola): The Mafia witness and Trabucco’s target, whose testimony could bring down organized crime.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Trabucco: “When are you leaving?” – Trabucco says this to Clooney in a very impatient tone after all the chaos that Clooney has caused with his suicide attempts.
• Clooney: “I can’t leave, I’m wanted.” – Clooney replies to Trabucco’s question about leaving, intending that the police are after him, while Trabucco responds with sarcasm.
• Trabucco: “Not by me.” – Trabucco’s dry response to Clooney’s claim of being wanted, highlighting his irritation and desire for Clooney to leave him alone.
• Dr. Zuckerbrot: “We are not a motel. We do not deal with finished products.” – Dr. Zuckerbrot explains to the Highway Patrolman that his clinic is not equipped to handle a pregnant woman in labor, showcasing the absurdity of the situation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $7,258,543
• Worldwide Gross: $7,258,543

💥 Buddy Buddy Reviews

Personal Review

I have to admit, I was expecting more from a Wilder, Lemmon, and Matthau reunion. While there were definitely some funny moments, especially watching Matthau’s exasperation grow, the story felt a little clunky. The sex clinic subplot was bizarre, and honestly, I think it detracted from the core comedy. It’s still worth a watch for the cast, but don’t go in expecting ‘Some Like It Hot’ level brilliance.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau”
  • “Viewers who enjoy dark comedies”
  • “Those interested in Billy Wilder’s filmography”
  • “People who appreciate farcical situations”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suicide attempts”
  • “Crude language”
  • “Implied violence”
  • “Adult themes (affairs, sex therapy)”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Wilder’s ‘Buddy Buddy’ is a mixed bag. The comedic timing of Lemmon and Matthau is present, but the script lacks the usual Wilder sharpness. While entertaining, it falls short of their previous collaborations.
• The New York Times: “‘Buddy Buddy’ isn’t Wilder’s finest. Lemmon’s neurotic character and Matthau’s gruff hitman provide some laughs, but the plot feels forced. A disappointing end to Wilder’s directorial career.

Audience Reactions

Lemmon and Matthau’s chemistry is always a win!: Most viewers appreciated the comedic pairing of Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, even if the material wasn’t their best.

Klaus Kinski’s weird doctor character was memorable.: Many found Klaus Kinski’s performance as the eccentric Dr. Zuckerbrot to be a highlight of the film.

Overall Consensus: Despite the legendary talent involved, ‘Buddy Buddy’ is considered a lesser work in the careers of Wilder, Lemmon, and Matthau, with some laughs but an overall underwhelming experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Buddy Buddy was the final film collaboration between director Billy Wilder and writer I.A.L. Diamond, ending a partnership that produced classics like Some Like It Hot and The Apartment.”
• “The film is a remake of the French film L’emmerdeur (A Pain in the Ass), directed by Édouard Molinaro.”
• “Walter Matthau reportedly ad-libbed many of his lines, bringing his improvisational skills to the role of Trabucco.”
• “Despite reuniting the beloved duo of Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau and being directed by Billy Wilder, the film was not a commercial or critical success.”

🖥️ How to Watch Buddy Buddy?

As a less widely known title, ‘Buddy Buddy’ may not be available on all major streaming platforms. Check services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies for rental or purchase options. Physical copies on DVD/Blu-ray might be available through online retailers, offering an alternative way to enjoy the film.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Buddy Buddy, you might like these similar films:

• The Odd Couple (1968): Stars Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau and features similar humor about mismatched personalities living together.
• L’Emmerdeur (1973): The original French film that ‘Buddy Buddy’ is based on, sharing the same basic plot and characters.
• Grumpy Old Men (1993): Another comedy starring Lemmon and Matthau as feuding neighbors, offering similar comedic chemistry.
• In Bruges (2008): Features a hitman grappling with morality and unexpected circumstances, combining dark humor with moments of introspection.

🛒 Buddy Buddy Related Products

• The Billy Wilder Film Collection (Some Like It Hot / The Apartment / Witness for the Prosecution / One, Two, Three / Irma La Douce) [Blu-ray]: A collection of classic Billy Wilder films. This is the perfect way to explore more of Billy Wilder’s filmography and see Lemmon at his finest. Experience the brilliance of Billy Wilder’s storytelling.
• Walter Matthau: An American Original: A biography about the life and career of Walter Matthau, featuring rare photos and insights into his iconic roles. Great insights into the actor’s process.
• Jack Lemmon: A Life in Pictures: A visually stunning biography featuring rare photos and behind-the-scenes stories from Jack Lemmon’s legendary career. A must-have for any Lemmon enthusiast.
• Custom Framed Movie Poster – Buddy Buddy: High-quality print, custom framed Buddy Buddy movie poster. Preserve the film’s legacy in style.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Cecilia” – performed by Michael Dees

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Terence Hill & Bud Spencer | Film’s Greatest Action Duo | A Docu-Mini

Ever wonder about the history of buddy-cop movies? This doc dives into the legendary duo Terence Hill & Bud Spencer, who basically perfected the art of comedic action! I personally love their movies; check out this tribute to their partnership.

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