The Glicksmans, Barry (Jon Jacobs) and Barbara (Bryna Weiss) are an elderly couple living in the San Bernadino Valley. They live a fairly mundane life which mostly consists of running errands, being sickly, and envying their rich friends’ lifestyles. One morning, frightened by a strange call the bank made, the couple wakes extra early to prepare for a trip to the bank. As soon as they leave the house, however, their plan goes off the rails. Chased by a strange Mexican man in a grey truck, the couple ducks into a friend’s home to avoid him.
The pursuit begins again when they leave the friend’s house and the couple drive to a nearby market as directed by the 911 operator. Barry and Barbara separate as Barry’s stubborn, avoidant attitude makes him enter the store to avoid the coming confrontation. Barabara, alone, panics and drives away, stranding her husband. Will they learn the reason they are being followed, and will they ever make it to the bank?
The Gliksmans has some very mixed reviews. This 2017 low-budget comedy is either beloved or hated by viewers because of its dry humor and being more-than-a-little-bit bizarre. It is a very silly, slow-paced film, just like its subjects. Many critics complain that ‘nothing happens,’ but that’s part of the point.
This is a mundane comedy turned into a surreal odyssey by its character’s screwball antics and panicked states of mind. If your patrons enjoy Curb Your Enthusiasm, they’ll probably enjoy the style of humor in The Gliksmans. Some notable faces from Hollywood make appearances such as Ed Asner, Cloris Leachman, Richard Portnow, and Ron Jeremy, making this bizarre comedy a must-see for classic Hollywood fanatics.
The Gliksmans also offers some Jewish comedy that will leave many fans of the genre doubled over in laughter. While certainly niche in some of its draw, The Gliksmans would fit into most public library comedy collections with ease.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
The Gliksmans would fit into comedy sections, especially beside the works of notable Jewish screenwriters such as Mel Brooks.
What type of film series could use this film?
A series of movies about the elderly or life in California could benefit from the addition of this film.