The Hudsucker Proxy

Starring: Tim Robbins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Paul Newman, Charles Durning, John Mahoney
Directed by: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
1994

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: After the death of the CEO and founder of Hudsucker Enterprises, the board, led by a sinister businessman (Paul Newman) decide they need to hire an incompetant for the CEO in order to cause the stock to fall so they can buy it at an incredibly cheap price and fire the proxy. They hire a seemingly bumbling man (Tim Robbins) who just started working for Hudsucker in the mailroom. However, in his new position, he unveils a brilliant new design that takes the world by storm, causing the opposite effect intended. He is investigated by a fast-talking newspaper woman (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and the secret of his meteoric rise to fame threatens to come out.

Review:

Tim: This is a high energy, zany, and occasionally ridiculous film that is a throwback to the films of the 1940s. The premise is interesting enough- a guy is named President of a company to make it fail and instead makes it a success (don't you just hate when that happens!). However, once the film strays too far from this idea, it gets weaker and weaker. The best parts of the film are the quick-paced dialogue exchanges and personal rants that often move so fast that a second of absentmindedness will leave you confused and wondering where the conversation went.

Tim Robbins is good as a simple minded man who is more than he seems. He plays this loveable character very well (he perfected it in the superior I.Q.). Paul Newman is good in a somewhat sinister role. Jennifer Jason Leigh has moments of brilliance when she speaks a mile a minute and with gusto, but occasionally ventures into the territory of being too over-the-top to be very enjoyable.

The Coen Brothers put together a fast paced comedy that contains some good messages squeezed into its frantic pace. Some of the jokes connect, while others do not. There are several moments when the film seems to lose its focus and descends into silliness. However, the movie has heart and that makes it an interesting experience.

The Hudsucker Proxy is a throwback to films of a generation past, and although it can't compare to the movies it tries to emulate, the attempt and the effort are appreciated.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: I.Q., Dave, The Shawshank Redemption