Some weeks have now passed since 9/11, as such, so has a few years since that unfortunately notorious day. For many Americans it’s nothing more than a bad memory, but for others it’s as though it only just happened. Tragedy occurred and lives were lost, though in the midst of it all, Americans of all cultures and walks of life united together with some semblance of commonality. On the day of which the twin towers fell, it wasn’t just passengers of the plane or people in the buildings who passed on, but also of many others who risked their lives to save them.
The King of Staten Island is something of a comedy with dramatic undertones that shows the aftermath of how the lives that were lost affected those who were left behind.
Comedian Pete Davidson has often joked about his father, a fireman of whom was one of the brave souls called to serve that day, yet never making it back home. The King of Staten Island is something of a comedy with dramatic undertones that shows the aftermath of how the lives that were lost affected those who were left behind. Davidson plays Scott, an early twenties layabout who has yet to fully accept his father’s death. Per the movie’s narrative, his father died from attempting a rescue in a hotel fire. From the time of his passing Scott carries contempt for his father’s decision to be a fireman, believing it to be a selfish career choice that inevitably led to leaving his wife and children alone. Eventually, Scott is finally all but forced to move on and grow up by his mother when the decision is made to kick him out of her house.
On the production side of things, there’s nothing overly glamorous about the shooting style or the editing. Everything is put together fairly basic, though this doesn’t mean the movie is lacking. It’s the characters and their circumstances that grant The King of Staten Island its significance. The prime examples of this are both Pete Davidson and star comedian Bill Burr. Burr most known for his hilarious stand-up rants, displays more than tolerable acting chops as Ray (Scott’s mother’s boyfriend, also ironically, a fireman). His signature aggressive temperament is not left out but he’s also gifted with some vulnerable dialogue thanks to the writing, of which he brings impressively clear off the page. Davidson also surprises with his performance, able to surpass his comedic tendencies with a more emotional touch when appropriate. Together onscreen they both stretch past their humorous proclivity, challenging themselves as actors as opposed to just comedians.
Any who are still reeling from that horrid day in America’s history are bound to relate to this in a far more comprehensible way than everyone else. Most viewers will “get it”, but it’s unlikely to be a tear jerker unless one really knows what’s like to still be dealing with 9/11. It’s an otherwise enjoyable movie anyway, but The King of Staten Island was obviously produced for a particular audience. It’s funny, yes, but it’s also layered with vehemence and empathy. It can be found online for purchase, or on HBO subscription platforms.
