MovieChat Forums > Sgt. Bilko (1996) Discussion > I don't like this film because I don't t...

I don't like this film because I don't think Bilko is a positive, relatable character.


I am all for irreverent comedies that take a dig at a nation's serious and beloved institutions. However, I need to relate to the main characters. They need to have a positive side to their personality which balances all their pranks and wrongdoing. Bilko just seemed like an obnoxious, self-centred jerk throughout the film. Sure, he introduced Wally to a girl at the bar who later became his girlfriend but that was the only positive thing he is shown doing for someone else in the film. Apart from this, it is just one act of greed after another. Also, his treatment of Rita was inexcusable even for a farce. He leaves her standing at the altar over a dozen times? Bloody hell, Robin Williams in Flubber looks like the epitome of commitment compared to him!

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When I read posts like this, I always cite Joe Pesci's character in Good fellas.

An utterly, violent, irredeemable sadist with no morals, who kills multiple people, often for trivial reasons.

And yet he is one of the best loved and most iconic characters in film. By his actions we should probably be horrified by him. Yet most of us are not. There is a certain amount of 'gallows humour' to such characters, so over the top with their despicable actions that you are captivated by them.

So I don't believe characters need to have positive sides to them. They can still be appealing, despite behaving appalingly.

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