So I Married an Axe Murderer

So I Married an Axe Murderer is a 1993 American romantic black comedy thriller. The film is directed by Thomas Schlamme and stars Michael John "Mike" Myers, a Canadian actor, comedian, screenwriter, producer, and director renowned for his run on Saturday Night Live and for playing the title roles in the Wayne's World, Austin Powers, and Shrek film franchises. Nancy Travis, an American actress best known for her roles in films like Three Men and a Little Lady, is in the film as well, portraying Myers' love interest. The film also features an exceptional performance from Anthony LaPaglia, an Australian actor known for his role in the television series Without a Trace.

The film’s screenplay, written by Robbie Fox, offers an eclectic blend of comedy, romance, and thrilling mysteries. The narrative spins around Mike Myers's portrayal of Charlie McKenzie, a somewhat neurotic San Francisco beat poet who, despite his success in the dating field, has built a notorious reputation for safely exiting relationships at the first signs of commitment. This habit is mostly driven by his comical paranoia that his prospective partners may have hidden, disastrous flaws.

Hindered by this perpetual fear, Charlie spends his time between working in a butcher shop and performing his unique style of poetry at a local coffee shop. His life takes an unexpected turn, nonetheless, when he meets the beautiful, mysterious, and somewhat elusive Harriet Michaels, played by Nancy Travis. Harriet runs a butcher's shop, and her charm reels Charlie in, despite his best efforts to maintain his savvy detachment.

As their relationship speeds into high gear, Charlie's previous fears, combined with the influence of an eccentric and conspiracy-obsessed friend, begin to toy with his mind. Coincidentally, a tabloid newspaper profiles a story about a woman known as "Mrs. X," who allegedly murders her husbands on their honeymoon. A pattern of coincidental happenstances leads Charlie to suspect that his beloved Harriet could be this notorious "Mrs. X". The suspicion permeates Charlie’s mind and life as he attempts to distinguish reality from paranoia, wrapped in his genuine feelings for Harriet.

Anthony LaPaglia impeccably plays Charlie's friend Tony, who happens to be a San Francisco police detective. Tony contributes significantly to Charlie's emotional roller coaster by feeding his suspicious mind, despite thinking Charlie's fears are deeply rooted in his commitment issues rather than in Harriet's past.

“So I Married an Axe Murderer” shines a light on Myers's adept comedy and ability to bring life to various characters. He also plays his protagonist's rambunctious Scottish father, Stuart, in a energetic performance that contributes constructive comic relief to an otherwise fairly grim premise.

This curious blend of comedy and horror reflects the film's rather unique genre as a black comedy thriller. In essence, it reflects a comical take on fear, anxiety, and the cultural obsession with true crime while exploring the depths of romantic relationships and the notion of commitment. It expertly unravels a story that steadily balances Charlie's hilarious quirks and his descent into a world of uncertainty and fear, driven by love.

The film consistently keeps the audience guessing whether Charlie's suspicions are an outcome of his over-active imagination or whether Harriet truly has a dark secret. With a romantic backdrop, the narrative’s cloak-and-dagger approach coupled with witty, humorous dialogues contribute to the dark yet comedic tone of the film. It’s an interesting and captivating watch for those who appreciate the amalgamation of genres.

So I Married an Axe Murderer is notable for its memorable one-liners, idiosyncratic characters, and compelling storytelling that expertly weaves comedic momentum with suspenseful intrigue. The film has proved enduringly popular, gaining cult-classic status among movie and comedy buffs since its release. While it showcases the idiosyncratic humor and body comedy that defined much of the 90s cinema, it also takes its audience down a unique narrative path dotted with unexpected turns. It’s a film that breaks comedic boundaries while also offering a thrilling, suspense-filled journey.