Posted: 04/29/2007

Diggers

(2007)

by Marielle Brinda

Shoremen, filmgoers and sketch comedy lovers everywhere (I’m especially talking to you, fans of The State and Stella)… It’s time to unite once more! But now on the sadder side of life for the film, Diggers. Director Katherine Dieckmann and writer/actor Ken Marino take us into the everyday lives of 30-something clam diggers on the shores of Long Island for a heart-felt, coming of age story based around the less-passionate of the group, Hunt, played by funnyman Paul Rudd. The character-driven piece includes Ron Eldard (Black Hawk Down), Josh Hamilton (The Last New Yorker), Sarah Paulson (Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip), Maura Tierney (ER) and Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under). This rugged ensemble truly captures the intrinsic bond of the hometown heart.

With producer David Wain on board, it could only be expected that a Wet Hot American Clam Dig experience would further dazzle comedy lovers alike. But as he focused that comedic energy on his and Marino’s upcoming feature, The Ten, also coming out this year, it would be up to the dramatic journey of these working class characters to dig down deep, revealing a softer side that I feel is relatable on many levels.

After long-time clam digger and father of Hunt (Rudd) and Gina (Tierney) experiences heart failure and dies in the calm waters of the bay, they are left to cope with the unspoken guilt, anguish, and loss of a man who most comfortably lived afloat in his dirty underwear. Never being able to fully embrace the 1976 lifestyle of a digger, Hunt turns to capturing artistic Polaroid’s of “things that don’t move” around town. Refusing to snap the photo of a pretty face, he instead decides to fall in love with one, Zoey, played by Ambrose.

An eccentric from New York City, Zoey silently flirts with him from her beach chair up until their first argument, which entails some mooning (and yes, you get to see Rudd’s butt). Her zany reactions to Hunt are absolutely hilarious for the most part, and accent Rudd’s abilities nicely. Hunt seals the deal with a classic clam dinner, relating the spicy sauce and sensuous clams to a little Mick on Keith—a clever and amusing Rolling Stones analogy. It’s this type of subtle humor that lets the familiar talents of our main men shine through and pull us along an overall slow-paced film.

Although one of the obvious conflicts in the film turns out to be a bad season for clams, it is the season of romance however for most of our cast, with one slightly confrontation match involving Hunt’s sister, Gina, and good friend/ womanizer, Jack, played by Eldard. Recovering from a broken marriage, and the death of now both of her parents, Gina finds a fun adventure in Jack, the handyman. But feeling responsible for his sister, Hunt would rather jump on fighting his buddy then picking up his father’s ashes from the parlor.

Character Cons, played by Hamilton, finds it in himself to answer the deeper questions of life, death, and most importantly, if a man is made of marble or wood. This oddball brain of the film focuses his talents on smoking the reefer, rather then digging the reef. But with his calm nature and intuitive mindset, Cons successfully provides contrast to a reasonably battered bunch. He also serves as an aid to help point out the bigger question for his best friend—uf Hunt is really content with is life, his choices, and who he really should be taking responsibility for. Cons’ psychedelic wisdom also proves to get the guys out of a sticky situation, or a crossroads rather, that brings them closer together then these tough-guys ever thought possible.

Entangled in a larger family affair, struggling clam digger and father, Lozo, played by Marino, struggles to provide for his ever- growing family. A stubborn man, Lozo finds it difficult to keep a working engine on his boat or even find a job at the rival company, South Shell. But with Marino’s use of tough-love, charisma, and a big heart, an interesting edge is created for Lozo which helps to keep his family together, even in the toughest of times. He even entices the kids with the mysticism of a dead body to get their interest in Hunt’s father’s funeral.

Marino definitely does this character justice and is obviously one of the most successful of the comedians to take a step away from slap-stick for once (after all, he wrote this film as a love letter to his father, a true clam-digger). Not to mention, the humorous relationship he shares with his wife, Julie, played by Paulson, is enough for my two thumbs up. Although they bicker more often then not, it surprisingly makes for an ever-strengthening love…just as it does to the bond that Lozo has with his buddies—Hunt, Jack, and Cons.

The true test of their strength comes when hidden appreciation from both the living and the dead is discovered. What comes with this most satisfying reveal of the film is also a new understanding of each other and themselves- something common to most of us, and not just clam diggers. This ultimately allows each character, and most importantly, Hunt, to move on and finally take the next step forward.

With the references to Jaws, political television footage, the tacky interior design of ’70s homes, and the Altman-esque grainy look to the entire film, a warm and realistic feel was achieved for the time period. Set in small-town 1970s Long Island also added to the façade of simplicity to the movie. But that shouldn’t be too big of a surprise coming from this group, having done other films that use time periods as a unique take on story.

So yes, it is true. Our beloved team of comedians pulled off a light-hearted drama…with the help of Tierney and others as the experts. The funny boys even managed to maintain the classic accent of Long Islanders better than our pro. (She only slipped a few times). But for a first group attempt at something slightly more personal, they all put in a valiant effort. You might even see Paul Rudd cry. I guess all men aren’t made of marble after all.

Marielle Brinda is is an amateur wannabe kick-boxer and enjoys dabbling with “Monkey Finger 2.0” and “Football Weather” (the bands) when she’s not working on films in Chicago, IL.

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