‘KrippendorPs Tribe’ has laughs, lacks believability
By Barb Churchill
Film Critic
“Krippendorf’s Tribe” is a funny,
but extremely unbelievable, family
comedy.
The paper-thin story purports to
tell the tale of James Krippendorf
(Richard Dreyfuss), a beleaguered
father and anthropology professor.
For the past two years, Krippendorf
has been supporting his family with a
grant intended to fund a study of the
“lost tribe of New Guinea.”
Krippendorf had intended to use the
money properly, yet had been diverted
from his purpose because of the
unforeseen death of his wife.
Of course, when it’s time to unveil
the tribe, various unrealistic circum
stances occur. First, his new research
assistant Veronica Micelli (Jenna
Elfman) decides to book a lecture
series regarding the “lost tribe,” unbe
knownst to Krippendorf. When
Krippendorf gets to the lecture site, he
panics, inventing a tribe called the
Shelmikedmu, named after his three
children Shelly, Mickey and Edmund.
The rest of the lecture goes well.
Next, Krippendorf has to invent
evidence regarding his tribal “visita
tion.” How he does this points out one
of the biggest flaws in the film: He
paints himself and his children as
tribesmen and films “native footage,”
then pulls out his state-of-the-art
“film-editing kit” and lets one of his
sons edit the film.
Granted, comedies don’t have to
be believable, but this is just too, too
much. No child of 10 would be able to
perform these sophisticated editing
tricks, much less with expensive
equipment bought ostensibly out of a
professor’s salary.
The remainder of the comedy
finds Ruth Alien (Lily Tomlin), anoth
er anthropology professor, trying to
discredit Krippendorf’s so-called
research. Most of the remaining
laughs deal with the results of Allen’s
search for the Shelmikedmu, as well
as Krippendorf’s growing sexual
attraction to Micelli.
Dreyfuss does a fine job as
Krippendorf. Although his character’s
overall situation is incredible at best, it
is possible for one to believe in his
position as a widowed father trying
desperately to bring up his three chil
dren. Without Dreyfuss’ calmness,
this film just wouldn’t be funny.
Elfman is a gifted comic actress,
yet somehow she fails to make this
role her own. Elfman attempts to por
The facts
4
Title: "Krippendorf’s Tribe’
Stare: Richard Dreyfuss, Jenna Elfman,
Lily Tomlin
Director: Todd Holland
Rating: PG-13
Grade: B
Flve Words: Unbelievable anthropology
farce is funny.
tray Micelli as another offshoot of the
dippy Dharma character from her TV
show. However, Micelli must be intel
ligent in order to be a research assis
tant, so the dippiness seems a blatant
mischaracterization. And the romance
between Elfman and Dreyfuss just
doesn’t work, as there is absolutely no
chemistry between them. This attrac
tion, if it appeared in real (rather than
reel) life would be due solely to “sex
ual wanderlust” (i.e., both are really,
REALLY hard up and have no part
ners) rather than anything else.
Tomlin is almost completely wast
ed as Allen, although she does have a
few good comedic moments.
Overall, this film has some
extremely big laughs out of the
extremely unusual situations
Krippendorf finds himself in. If you
are stressed out because of midterms
or need a few good laughs, go see this
film.
UFCfK ' ©W
1LC. I |
*-1— 6eotN Irtc
ABE ANP
WILL'S
GUI PE TO
PARENTS
part (Sg')
TWO V**L/
{I MftVfc TH« FR16W0 AM? H€
/ CA*J OtJty WATCH XV Ok!
I soruftcAys a*»p sowoass >
1 A*><? He HAS MO V!0*O-6AMe
I s^stsm except e.AM£8o^
l WWcrt i$ poetry o»/T of rr
V ftt&KT tSQuJi
An// / THATWOUWT
( VJ-J i' iMAWMfccMtt*
AS \T"
9rn«PRlfcuO AM?H€
a watch tv o#^ I/,
was A*)osvMPAa$!
HAS NO VIOCO-6AHP
ex«pr ferwfcRo^
> paetra o*nr of rr \
iHTHQWl \
/ that uouuT ^
-
i
A
*
1
!
i
In
l
\
*
*
|;
i
L UUNUKHtt’UKTEro
pFT7L^Ucmtm
f- “
Grand Opening Special
27th & Superior, Behind Carlos O’ Kellys
' Merfsand
Women’s
;j^j3uits
Drycleane#
$2.90 $1. $1.25
Expires 3/31/98 I Expires 3/31/98 I Expires 3/31/98
^^resen^oupoMwhei^rqpgin^aC^lotvalJ^ijrit^njMJthercrffer
&IIIKS1W 3 iVlvJ H
HKH MMfl mmm
I The UNIVERSITY OF
MINNESOTA LAW SCHOOL ..
has extended its application
deadline to APRIL 1st!! I
Please call (612) 625-3487 for more
information, including receiving an
application, setting up a visit to the law school
and attending a group information session.
a ' " -I Sjjjg
ALASKA EMPLOYMENT- Earn up td $3,000/month
fisheries. Airfare! Food/lodging! Supercool park/resort
jobs too! Apply now for summer. Call: (919) 933-1939
ext. A107.
Stereo pre-amp/power amplifier system. Includes:
Onkyo a/v stereo pre-amplifier, Carver home THX
stereo power-amplifier, 250 watts/ch, remote control,
2 yr. warranty, only $599 or best offer. Call Brad at
436-6049.
JOfc Sendees ^
Adopt: Our hearts long to give your newborn a lifetime
of love and fulfillment in our happy home. Expenses
paid. Please caH Irene and George. 1 -600-278-1743.
We offer counseling and adoption services to help you
pten the best future foryour baby. No fees or obligations.
Statewide-since 1893. Nebraska Children’s
Home, 4600 WalleyRd., Suite 314,483-7879
Income taxes. Quality services at affordable rates, eve
ning and weekend appointments available, student
discounts. Call Tammy for appointment at Ethical
Management Services, 560-1464.
Auto Accidents & DW1
Other criminal matters, call Sanford Pollack 476-7474.
Criminal Defense, DW1, Bankruptcy, Stone Law Firm,
Affordable Rates, 475-0055
Criminal Defense, DWI, Bankruptcy, Family Law. Rea
sonable Flat rates in writing. First visit free. Paul
Boross, 438-4798.
Laadjjuitar needed; for information call 474-1601; ask
/ ' - *> ?
r.;; /" i
Free
Pregnancy Test
Birthright is a confidential helping hand. Please cttil for
appointment or more information, 483-2609. Check
out our website wwwbirthright.org
Academic Expressions
Resumes, Term Papers, Theses. Cover /Business letters
and newsletters. (402)628-2221,
kondadONavix.net.
Resume Pro
Personalized resumes to make you stand out in a
crowd! 421-6630. Ask about the student special!
www.golddisc.com/resumeprD
2 Male/Female rommmates to share large house near
campus; W/D, AC; $165/mo, +1/4 utilities: 476-0395
2 non-smoking Female roommates needed to share
great 3 bedroom house. Air conditioner, washer/dryer.
Near East Campus & Wesleyan. S233/month plus de
posit + 1/3 utilities each. Cad Sally, evenings at
464-0944. _ - '
3 feriiale roommates needed to share a targe 4 bedroom
house one block south of O St. Call Liz at
43S-9844. y
2308 West Washington: Responsible, non-smoking
female to share newer 4 Bedroom home. $175/ month
plus 1/4 utilities. Available March 31. Call 477-0562.
Female, non-smoker, to share house with 2 female
students. W/D, C/A. $190/month + 1/3 utilities. 420
N. Cotner. 465-5085.__.
Looking for a roommate, nice 5 bedroom house, $
minutes from campus, nice neighborhood.
$225/month + utilities. Please caH 484-5506.
