Film Review: Redskins, Tricksters and Puppy Stew

When I heard the campy country music and so-so joke that Redskins, Tricksters and Puppy Stew opened up with, I felt nostalgia for the days when my teacher wheeled in an old CRT, dimmed the lights, and put on an outdated film as the soundtrack for my upcoming nap. As such, I was surprised when I found myself laughing within the first two minutes of the film. This comedy-documentary showcases performances and interviews with standup comedians, famous novelist and radio show host Thomas King, and more hilarious ensembles.

I particularly enjoyed the pacing of the documentary as it broke down each interview into two to three parts and cuts back and forth through the cast of the interviews. This not only made it easier to pay attention to, but also helped the mood across the different interviews stay consistent. The director, Drew Hayden Taylor, brings the audience on an emotional road trip.

The documentary begins with each comedian performing their style of comedy. Once the introductions have ended, the tone becomes more sombre and we learn the backgrounds of each performer, highlighting the circumstances and experiences that inspired them to make a career out of comedy. Most of the comedians use comedy as a means of healing, be it by reviving the spirits of elders who have passed away or overcoming the abuse they faced in their youth.

Gradually, the tone lightens as each comedian shares what they hope to accomplish with their work. The subjects impart some wisdom concerning the efforts and effects of making others laugh. Maybe it was just because the Dead Dog Cafe appears both in this film as well as Thomas King’s novel Green Grass, Running Water, but the cutting back and forth between subjects in this movie reminded me of King’s book. 

While some of the jokes are tacky and some parts can drag on, there’s no denying that this is the first documentary to make me both laugh out loud as well as feel heavy-chested at parts. The stories of each comedian are genuine and hard-hitting, and with the wide spectrum of performers featured in this film, it is easy to empathize with at least a few of them.

I found that Redskins, Tricksters and Puppy Stew really challenged my view of documentaries being dry and emotionless, which is why I recommend giving it a watch.