The Hudsucker Proxy (Widescreen)

 

 

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After a string of critically acclaimed films it seemed inevitable that the Coens would eventually get slammed by the critics at some point. The Hudsucker Proxy was that film. Criticized for unsuccessfully blending the sensibilities of Frank Capra and Preston Sturges and tagged with a title that the general public did not understand, the film disappeared quickly from theaters.

It's too bad because there is a lot going on in this film. As always, it has the Coens flawless, stunning production values. This was the first film where the boys had a huge budget to play with and boy did they ever put every cent up on the screen. This is a fantastical version of New York City in the '50s -- think Terry Gilliam's Brazil but with all the nightmarish, Orwellian influences.

The film also features the Coens trademark snappy dialogue. Lots of verbal acrobatics and a cast that is more than up for the task. Jennifer Jason Leigh is the stand-out as she morphs effortlessly into Katherine Hepburn with her rapid-fire delivery and very distinctive way of speaking. She is excellent. Tim Robbins, at first, seems like an unlikely guy to play a schlub, a dim-witted patsy. But then take a look at his career-defining performance in Bull Durham to see that the Coens knew exactly what they were doing when they cast him.

Paul Newman is also wonderful as the evil Sidney J. Mussberger (love that name!) and he imparts just the right amount of comical menace.

Fans of Sam Raimi will want to check this one out for two reasons. First, Sam's main man, Bruce Campbell has a significant role as Smitty, an ace reporter who is Leigh's foil throughout the film. It's great to see Campbell in a Coen bros. film -- I wish he'd be in more of 'em! Also, Raimi not only co-wrote the screenplay but he also did the bulk of the second unit work. Check out the famed hula hoop creation sequence. Sam directed that bit. He also has a cameo as one of the guys who thinks up the name Hula Hoop.

This is a really great film that deserves a larger audience. Many people regard this as the Coens weakest film to date but I dunno 'bout that. I love watching this movie and I have fond memories of seeing it on the big screen.

The DVD is fine with a solid transfer and good sound. Sadly, no real extras to speak of but it is definitely worth picking up if you're a fan of the Coens.

That's what my daughter named this one when she was about seven, catching on to the visual theme pretty quick.

This is one of my favorite movies.

If you never heard of it, don't be surprised or embarrassed. I first stumbled over it one Saturday night in the '90s channel surfing. I hit the French CBC station and there was Charles Durning diving past the world's tallest building, wiping wind-tears from his eye. It was such an amazing shot and I thought What the hell movie is this? The next thing Paul Newman appears, dubbed into French. And now I'm really wondering what this is. The station IDs it as the Hudsucker Proxy, and I'm still clueless. And at this time I was already acquainted with the Coen bros movies.

I did a little research later and it seems the studio chickened out. With typical Hollywood business logic, they poured $20m or so into making it, and then got cold feet and spent $0 on promotion, and the movie opened in about 8 theatres across North America. So of course it died.

If there is any justice, the movie will become like the Shawshank Redemption and become a cult classic on DVD. Judging by all the positive reviews here, that may well be happening.

A lot of the previous reviews caught the essence of it: this movie is enchanting; it is pure magic. This is what movies and story telling are all about.

There is just too much to say. The music is one of the best aspects. A lot of classical Russian stuff mixed with original music. It is just supports the story perfectly. Visually too, the look is very, what? Soothing? Like film critics say, it has a "palette," in this case a lot of earth tones and blues. A very dreamy New York. You could see this movie with the dialog and music turned off and enjoy it just for the way it looks. Tim Robbins is great. Jason Leigh is wonderful. Paul Newman looks like he is having a blast. Great supporting cast and tons of those strange Coen Brother characters.

And if you are a lover of classic old Hollywood movies, you will have a field day. There are so many references to individual movies, besides genres and styles, it is mind boggling.

A few of the previous reviewers said they found it boring. Incredible thing to say. The pace is so fast, so much happens. People, when you watched it were you on sedatives? Of course, it's a Coen film: they expect you to pay attention. If you do, you are rewarded, big time. If that's too much effort, go rent Star Wars Empire XXIV.

Too many favorite parts to even remember. The huge dark cold industrial mail room, all the clerks bundled up and looking as if they have spent their entire lives there; the board of directors, to a man, grey and crooked; the blue letter; Buzz the elevator boy; old Moses, keeping the big wheels turning; Mussberger's secretaries and the The Book; Mussberger's vast palatial office; the double-stitching (She's a one strong stitch!); the cab drivers narrating Amy's first encounter with Norville; Norville showing people the diagram for his great idea; the editor ranting at his reporters; the Christmas party and Norville wedged between the two ladies (pay close attention to what Mrs Mussberger tells him); Norville meeting the Finnish stockholder; Amy telling Norville about the real beatnik bar in her neighborhood; Norville pretentiously explaining the circle of life to Amy (What your beatnik friends call "Karmah"); the silhouetted boys in the Creative Bullpen spinning zany names for the new product, while their secretary sits outside reading one Tolstoi after another; the snowy New Year's Eve and a bleary Norville running into Buzz, who pops him one at the instigation of Anna Nicole Smith (how did she ever get hooked up with the Coens?); old Moses interviewing Amy; Charles Durning still a grouchy cranky businessman despite having "merged with the infinite"; and so on.

Apologies for such a long write up. But it's a great, truly unique movie.

Again, the Coen brothers made a huge score with Hudsucker Proxy. I am now a huge fan of all their works and this one is totally funny. It was the first one I saw from them and I really enjoy it. But when I saw it after seiing Big Lebowski, Fargo, Barton Fink and others, I found it even more better! I didnt recommanded it as a first seen movie from the Coen brother but if you enjoy their type of movie, you`ll totally enjoy this one buddy!

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1.0 out of 5 stars Boring beyond belief
This is one of the most boring movies I have ever seen. I wish I could give the movie a rating of zero stars, but that isn't an option. Read more

Published on July 10 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars a thingamajig that would bring everyone together
A film by the Coen Brothers

"The Hudsucker Proxy" is the fantastic story of Noville Barnes (Tim Robbins). Read more

Published on Jun 3 2004 by Joe Sherry

4.0 out of 5 stars Not the Coens greatest, but.............
This is a great movie from the Coen brothers. It is not a violent or gory as some of their other films, but there are certainly some very devious characters. Read more

Published on April 16 2004 by James R. Mckinley

5.0 out of 5 stars Say buddy...!
Fantastic!!! Brilliant script, brilliant performances, brilliant direction, brilliant score, brilliant production design!!! Did I mention how brilliant it is? Read more

Published on Mar 13 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars "You know... For Kids!"
The amazing Coen brothers take us on a fantastic ride with The Hudsucker Proxy. Clearly, from the beginning to the end, you are emerged into a very surreal world set in the big... Read more

Published on Mar 9 2004 by huck00

3.0 out of 5 stars Am I Missing Something?
I am a huge Coen Brothers fan, I love all their movies ( Blood Simple,Raising Arazona The Man Who Wasn't There, Barton Fink, Oh Brother, Big Lewbawski), but not this one, yet this... Read more

Published on Mar 6 2004 by P. A. Tamblyn

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Coen Bros. favorite
I have loved all the films that the Coen Brothers have produced. This one was a bit of a surprise, Tim Robbins was an excellant choice for his part. Read more

Published on Feb 28 2004 by Barbara Harney

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Comic Take on 50s Corporate America
New York in the late 1950s. Norville Barnes (Robbins) is a nobody who gets a job in the hilariously nightmare-ish mail room of the vast Hudsucker Corporation. Read more

Published on Jan 20 2004 by snalen

4.0 out of 5 stars you know, its for kids
funny and awesome. this is a treat. featuring the talents of Paul Newman, Tim Robbins, Bruce Campbell, Charles Durning, John Mahoney and the gorgeous and wonderful Jennifer Jason... Read more

Published on Nov 11 2003 by Michael Bolts

5.0 out of 5 stars A BLOCKBUSTER THAT, INTRIGUINGLY, NEVER QUITE BECAME ONE!
If Fargo could bag an Oscar, The Hudsucker Proxy should be Required Viewing. To put it simply, this is sheer genius on tape, there really is so little not to like about this film... Read more

Published on Oct 3 2003 by Shashank Tripathi

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