Crocodile Dundee

This is one of my favorite movies from the 80s. It's basically the fish out of water concept but done twice in one movie. The movie is loosely based on the true story of an Australian man who was attacked by a crocodile in the bush and managed to get away and crawl back to civilization. I say loosely because I read about the man recently. He had just died in a gun battle with police. I suspect they cleaned up the character just a bit.

Anyway the movie starts out with reporter Sue Charlton looking for this man after hearing about his attack. She is the first fish out of water as she is taken through the outback by Crocodile Dundee. She attempts to show him that she can take care of herself but he keeps coming to her rescue anyway. She then invites him back to New York, making him the second fish out of water. The roles reverse as he attempts to navigate the big city and deal with New Yorkers, who aren't as friendly as the folks he's used to.

The movie derives most of its humor from the culture clashes. In short order, Dundee has to figure out bidets, city streets, hookers, transvestites, muggers and high society. The scenes are all obvious set ups but they pay off anyway. Paul Hogan carries himself with charm and grace and makes even the most ridiculous set up seem genuine and funny.

Hogan, best known here in the US for Australian tourist ads and lately Subaru ads, writes and stars in the movie. He pretty much carries the picture as it appears to be custom built for his style and personality. Linda Kozlowski does a great job of looking great in whatever ridiculous outfit her character has picked next. This includes a big floppy hat and thong swimsuit for hiking and a number of dresses that could have only appeared in the 80s. As for that thong, I was only thirteen when this first came out and that scene was permanently etched into my memory. Thank you Ms. Kozlowski. The only other character of note is her jealous and annoying boyfriend. His sole purpose in this movie is to make Dundee look good and he succeeds wonderfully at that.

It's not only a good comedy but a rather pretty picture as well. Scenes from the outback are shot to maximize their beauty and the same goes for the New York skyline. Add a soundtrack I've always liked and you've got a pretty solid movie. As I write this the music from the final subway scene is running through my head. I wish I had the soundtrack to actually listen to. That bit of music is going to be stuck in my head all day now. Oh well, at least I like it.

- John Shea