With an impecable charming humor, "One-Eyed Men Are Kings" presents the amusing tale of a man (Paul Préboist) who after a street incident revolving walking around with
his mom's dog decides to pretend to be blind to attract the sympathy of strangers who are charmed by his friendly "guide dog". An innocent walk in the park becomes the
starting point for lovely conversations with the people around them and he becomes the center of attention with his new friends. But obviously the fun won't last long for this odd man.
I know it can be viewed as completely distasteful in today's terms of awareness on minorities and also the use of disabled appropriation but the film is so full of charm, innocence and humor that you have to take into consideration the times in which this was made and the way it was made with a silent film style, just music and no dialogue, and a stellar performance by the lead actor; and with all of those elements combined the movie does not become offensive or prejudicial as many other cheap comedies tried to be funny while mocking disabilities.
Although I like the silent film format which perfectly suits such a universal story for all audiences, I think some bits of dialogue would benefit the movie since there's some moments in between where there's a cloud of mystery surrounding situations and characters (like the man's talks with his mother and the landlord; or the apparently funny story he tells to his comrades at the park where everybody is laughing to his story. I was curious in knowing what it was all about). But those are minor complaints of mine, it doesn't affect your enjoyment and it doesn't hurt the experience. Oscar winning in the Best Short Film category. 9/10.
I know it can be viewed as completely distasteful in today's terms of awareness on minorities and also the use of disabled appropriation but the film is so full of charm, innocence and humor that you have to take into consideration the times in which this was made and the way it was made with a silent film style, just music and no dialogue, and a stellar performance by the lead actor; and with all of those elements combined the movie does not become offensive or prejudicial as many other cheap comedies tried to be funny while mocking disabilities.
Although I like the silent film format which perfectly suits such a universal story for all audiences, I think some bits of dialogue would benefit the movie since there's some moments in between where there's a cloud of mystery surrounding situations and characters (like the man's talks with his mother and the landlord; or the apparently funny story he tells to his comrades at the park where everybody is laughing to his story. I was curious in knowing what it was all about). But those are minor complaints of mine, it doesn't affect your enjoyment and it doesn't hurt the experience. Oscar winning in the Best Short Film category. 9/10.
