Not many filmmakers combine hilarity and poignancy like Christopher Guest does with his mockumentaries, and in 2000’s Best in Show, he takes on the foibles and the insecurities of show-dog owners and the high drama of championship dog shows. The mock here is as in faux — this is a faux documentary, a partly improvised slice of virtual real life — not mock as in taunt. Though many of the characters onscreen — played by a breathtakingly talented ensemble including Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, John Michael Higgins, Michael McKean, Jennifer Coolidge, Bob Balaban, Jane Lynch, Parker Posey, Fred Willard, and Guest himself — may be slightly absurd, they are authentic, heartfelt, and sympathetic. They may be ridiculous but are never ridiculed, and the entire affair is as oddly touching as it is laugh-out-loud funny. (Read my 2000 review.)
US: stream on Hulu; rent/buy on Prime and Apple TV
UK: rent/buy on Prime and Apple TV
See Best in Show at Letterboxd for more viewing options.
