Sunday, June 29, 2014

The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)

Director: Joel Coen
Writers:  Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, Sam Raimi
Cast:       Tim Robbins, Paul Newman, Jennifer Jason Leigh

A naive business graduate is installed as president of a manufacturing company as part of a stock scam.

Hudsucker Proxy was Coen Borthers' first big budget film with it costing around $40 million including the marketing budget. It was a box office disaster grossing just over $2 million. It is a screwball comedy whose script was ready before 'Blood Simple' was even made. It is set in late 1950s New-York and contains references to many old films like Fritz Lang's 'Metropolis'. It also reminded me of Terry Gilliam's 'Brazil'. I had seen it some four years back and loved it. This time also I enjoyed it even though it is not consistently great. But the high points  of the film like the kid with the Hula Hoop scene and the climax fall scene are outrageously hilarious. Your enjoyment of the film will depend a lot on your reactions to the performances especially that of Jennifer Jason Leigh. Am neutral about her in the film. 

It is a great watch, especially for Coens fans.

Rating: 4/5

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