WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
What exactly does it take to keep people in line? Mainly, it is a firm hand, even firmer words, plus an unwavering resolve that no matter what situation may become a source of conflict, answers will be found and solutions will be implemented to ensure everyone remains happy and accounted for. It is the 1950’s, and hard-working, keenly focused Hollywood “fixer”, Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin), utilizes his skills in the employ of powerhouse studio Capitol Pictures. With long hours and high-priority film stars his key points of effort, Mannix still finds a way to manage it all without completely losing his mind. In particular, the studio’s primary asset, actor Baird Whitlock (George Clooney), is on the cusp of completing his latest epic film.
However, unbeknownst to everyone else, an organization called The Future has other plans, starting with the kidnapping of Whitlock. Once this event occurs, Mannix suddenly finds himself on a new mission to locate and retrieve Whitlock so the film can be completed and the studio can save face. Yet, at the same time, a myriad of issues arise involving other studio professionals and their projects, including conflict with Western star Hobie Doyle (Alden Ehrenreich) and director Laurence Laurentz (Ralph Fiennes), actress DeeAnna Moran (Scarlett Johansson), and actor Burt Gurney (Channing Tatum). With twin gossip columnist sisters Thora and Thessaly Thacker (both Tilda Swinton) plus studio management putting the pressure on him, Mannix plunges headfirst into the chaos to find remedies and restore order.
Next, my Mind:
As one might expect when acknowledging a given film is written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, oddness, off-beat/quirky humor, and a huge cast are all elements involved, and the newest effort from the brother duo, “Hail, Caesar!” is no exception. While this reviewer preferred it over previous efforts like “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”, “Caesar” is still going to take some getting used to in processing it through one’s comedic palate. Briskly paced and strangely engaging, watching the somewhat subdued and peculiar insanity unfold within the narrative’s main plot–Whitlock, his kidnappers, and Mannix–along with the various subplots, manages to keep attention and meld together to form the greater, eccentric, whole. Again, this truly is acquired taste.
Brolin strongly commands the film, which in itself is saying something given the cast he is immersed with in playing Mannix. He makes Mannix a centered, likable, and uncomplicated man whose desire is simply to ensure all things are working well in the film studio ocean he swims in daily. He remains loyal and wants results, despite outside forces wanting to woo him away from the world he knows best. Clooney, as he so often does, plays a totally lovable idiot in Whitlock, whose crazy kidnapping adventure only serves him up more opportunity to prove he isn’t the smartest tool in the shed. Great supporting turns by Ehrenreich, Fiennes, Johansson, Tatum, and Swinton, plus Jonah Hill and Frances McDormand, make this an ensemble cast lover’s dream.
In total, “Hail, Caesar!” delivers what you want in a Coen Brothers comedy while allowing a fantastically chosen cast to lead you through its idiosyncrasies and unconventional approach, decidedly different comedic stylings, and just plain distinctiveness. It won’t be for everyone, but then again, what film truly is?
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
