The Number of the Least.
by Jon Dunmore © 4 Dec 2008.


It just don't add up!

Numerology - utter fantasy coupled with utter coincidence. Try telling that to the EVP Nosferatu fake-moon-landing 9/11-conspiracy empath-candle what's-your-sign bible-thumpers.

When dogcatcher Walter Sparrow (Jim Carrey) reads a mysterious book called The Number 23, he begins to realize how much the number 23 figures in his life, from his birth date, first date, marriage date, etc. popping up everywhere he looks. Of course, when you arrive at 23 through a complex set of equations pulled from your nether regions, it's easy to make it add up to something portentous.

For example, the devil's number is 23. (Rationale: 666 is 3 sixes. 3x6=18. 18+5=23. 5 is 2+3 after all, 23, right?; that's why we add it to 18...)

Yet this psychological thriller is an entertaining diversion, moving at a pace that prevents us from seeing the stupidity in 2+3=23 (yes, this is the "intelligence" level of numerologists).

Another extraordinary performance from Carrey, playing more than one chracter again (his real-life persona who is slowly unraveling, and his delirium fantasy called Fingerling, in total control of his Clive Owen longcoat). Virginia Madsen plays Carrey's wife and scary Danny Huston plays a psychologist friend. Both of them turn up as analogues in Walter Sparrow's deliriums.

Joel Schumacher directs (also directed Carrey in BATMAN FOREVER) and Fernley Phillips screenplays with the Rod Serling handbook planted firmly in lap.

THE NUMBER 23 made me realize all the uncanny coincidences in MY life and the 23-conspiracy that surrounds us: did you know that every month has at least 23 days in it?; or that the English alphabet has more than 23 letters?; and I'm OVER 23.... oh my goat-faced deity! That proves it! Most of the musicians I know are over 23 as well! So is Jim Carrey! So is Virginia Madsen!

It all adds up!


END