The Nearly Complete and Utter History of Everything

'The Nearly Complete and Utter History of Everything' is a British comedy drama aired at the turn of the millennium, specifically in 1999. This memorable TV movie is the brainchild of directors Terry Jones and Rupert Walters and is packed with an ensemble cast including Clive Anderson, Matthew Ashforde, and Patrick Barlow.

The movie stands as a remarkable and lighthearted representation of history, where comedic satires are blended with historical events, personalities, and significant milestones, presenting a version of world history which is both hilarious and unconventional.

The movie opens with a camp, bombastic sequence offering an unrestrained comedy-drama aspect that perseveres throughout the history of mankind. Numerous montages and short skits depict select historical events, portrayed in a manner that intentionally parodies them, letting out laugh-out-loud scenes for the audience.

'The Nearly Complete and Utter History of Everything' features various time periods, historical milestones and important personalities from the past including royals, scholars, explorers, and influencers giving a comprehensive albeit light-hearted take on world history.

Clive Anderson, known for his quick wit and improvisational comedy, brings charm to his multi-character roles, adding an endearing layer of humor. He portrays various personalities over different historical periods quite convincingly. Matthew Ashforde’s performance is delightfully engaging as he transitions from one character to another effortlessly. With his comic timing and versatility, he makes every character memorable. Last but not least, Patrick Barlow, known for his absurdly funny and eccentric comedy style, brings a unique perspective to his characters, infusing them with a humor that is both subtle and powerful.

The movie is not just about performances, and the writing merits equal appreciation. The script is filled with satire, wit, and a clever play on words, poking fun at the various historical moments without being disrespectful to the original events, which makes it a very dynamic viewer experience. Complementing the humor-filled script is the direction by the talented Terry Jones and Rupert Walters. They manage to maintain the pace of the storyline throughout the movie and ensure that it remains true to its genre of comedy-drama, maintaining a balance between educational, entertaining, and engaging.

The cleverly constructed anecdotes, termed as 'cognitive dissonance' by the talented writer and director Terry Jones, provide an almost continuous flow of laughs. As the title suggests, the film does try to cover nearly everything, and as such, the viewer must be prepared to encounter a whirlwind tour of historical instances depicted in comical episodes.

'The Nearly Complete and Utter History of Everything' is a sketch-based comedy, with each scene effectively serving as a standalone vignette. Each vignette takes on a different era or moment in history and presents it in a condensed and humorous manner which succeeds in entertaining and amusing the viewer.

The humor in the movie is not merely slapstick. It showcases some clever and intelligent comedy, which is a testament to the writing team's skills. The movie also serves as a sort of time capsule, providing a snapshot of the loaded kind of comedy that was popular during that time period.

Despite the comedic take, the movie does not shy away from incorporating actual historical facts, merging them seamlessly with the fictional narrative, therefore providing audiences with entertainment alongside some real historical insights. A viewer with a keen interest in history will undoubtedly find this movie enchanting and will appreciate the humorous perspective offered on significant historical figures and events.

In conclusion, 'The Nearly Complete and Utter History of Everything' from 1999 is a delightful journey through historical events. It is a comedy-drama that houses a series of short skits, each based on historical moments, served with a punch of humor and satire. This light-hearted take on world history makes history fun, approachable, and entertaining, showcasing history in an entirely new light. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a fan of British comedy, this entertaining romp is surely a must-watch.