The Hudsucker Proxy

The Hudsucker Proxy is a brilliantly entertaining movie from possibly the greatest writer/director partnership ever. The film is so engaging and whacky that many unfamiliar with the Coen's style may be turned away by it. However, the Coens are filmmakers who know what they are doing and this film is a perfect blend of reality and surrealism. Reminiscent of a classic movie from the 40s or 50s The Hudsucker Proxy has an atmosphere and look to it that we seldom see anymore. Part of this is due to the fabulous set design and costumes. But also, the Coens' direction and dialogue are top notch. One particular scene (near the beginning of the movie, so don't worry about spoilers) concerning a newspaper, a coffee cup and a heavy wind fills you with magical glee and perfectly sets the scene of this fantastic fairytale-like fable. Some may be disappointed by the ending but on close inspection it is a brilliant metaphor in a film that says so much about success, failure and how people cope with both. Paul Newman, Tim Robbins and Jennifer Jason Leigh are superb and are backed up by a cast that all gleam with their own wonderful persona including Steve Buscemi (sadly not in it enough), Bruce Campbell, John Mahoney and Charles Durning. So, If you want to see a film that will fascinate you, make you laugh and fill you with that magical joy that only the Coen Bros. can supply then The Hudsucker Proxy is the film for you.