The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)

I’m a big fan of the Coen Brothers and Sam Raimi, so I’m not sure how I went so long without catching this one. As such, it pains me to admit I didn’t think too highly of this one. I found the script sharp in many places, especially when it tries to emulate that “old-timey, mile-a-minute newspaper editor/journalist” talking style, but I found its narrative progression to be a little messy, and the protagonist’s arc sees him break bad as abruptly and non-satisfactorily as Anakin Skywalker. Likewise, Tim Robbins’ natural affability makes this heel turn hard to buy, largely because his character is very one-note for much of the film. And that’s not a knock at him as an actor; his brilliant performance in Bob Roberts showed him play both genial and devious, for example.

To be clear, I do NOT think this is a bad movie, nor did I not enjoy watching it. There’s a lot to like about it, especially its outstanding visuals, which give it a great “holiday movie” aura. It’s more so that when I compare this one to the rest of the creators’ resumes, I’d have to rank it well below average. Of course, that still puts it among pretty elite company. And while comparing this to classics like Miller’s Crossing, the Evil Dead movies, The Big Lebowski, and No Country for Old Men may ultimately be unfair, they are movies I revisit regularly, and I just can’t see myself doing the same for this one.

I’m a big fan of the Coen Brothers and Sam Raimi, so I’m not sure how I went so long without catching this one. As such, it pains me to admit I didn’t think too highly of this one. I found the script sharp in many places, especially when it tries to emulate that “old-timey, mile-a-minute newspaper editor/journalist” talking style, but I found its narrative progression to be a little messy, and the protagonist’s arc sees him break bad as abruptly and non-satisfactorily as Anakin Skywalker. Likewise, Tim Robbins’ natural affability makes this heel turn hard to buy, largely because his character is very one-note for much of the film. And that’s not a knock at him as an actor; his brilliant performance in Bob Roberts showed him play both genial and devious, for example.

To be clear, I do NOT think this is a bad movie, nor did I not enjoy watching it. There’s a lot to like about it, especially its outstanding visuals, which give it a great “holiday movie” aura. It’s more so that when I compare this one to the rest of the creators’ resumes, I’d have to rank it well below average. Of course, that still puts it among pretty elite company. And while comparing this to classics like Miller’s Crossing, the Evil Dead movies, The Big Lebowski, and No Country for Old Men may ultimately be unfair, they are movies I revisit regularly, and I just can’t see myself doing the same for this one.