A naive business graduate is installed as president of a manufacturing company as part of a stock scam.
The Hudsucker Proxy Ratings & Reviews
- Wil RoeseMarch 3, 2025"What's this I hear about you being an imbecile?"
- hairydemonOctober 18, 2025A beautiful, extravagant and deeply loving poem to the golden era of Hollywood.
- Morphentropic SkelJanuary 1, 2025A classic Coen brothers film. Interesting, witty writing that’s delivered by a cast firing on all cylinders. The third act felt slightly weaker relative to the others, but put it up against Disney’s *current year* “live action remake” and it curb-stomps it effortlessly.
- Rob StinsonFebruary 4, 2025A Masterpiece of Modern Madness "The Hudsucker Proxy" is an absolute gem, a film that sparkles with the kind of creative genius you'd expect from the Coen Brothers. From the very first frame, you're plunged into a world where the absurd meets the sublime, all set against the backdrop of a dazzling 1950s New York. The film's plot, revolving around Norville Barnes, an innocent and naive everyman who inadvertently becomes a corporate pawn, is both hilariously convoluted and cleverly woven. Tim Robbins delivers a performance that's both endearing and comical, perfectly capturing the essence of Norville's wide-eyed wonder and eventual corporate disillusionment. Paul Newman and Jennifer Jason Leigh are nothing short of brilliant. Newman's portrayal of the cunning Sidney J. Mussburger is deliciously villainous, while Leigh's fast-talking, hard-boiled reporter, Amy Archer, is both a homage to and a reinvention of the classic screwball comedy heroine. Her transformation from cynicism to compassion adds layers to what could have been just another comedic character. The visual style of "The Hudsucker Proxy" is where it truly shines. The set designs, costumes, and cinematography evoke a nostalgic yet vibrant atmosphere that feels like you're stepping into a living, breathing cartoon. The famous Hula Hoop scene is a testament to the film's inventive spirit, blending slapstick humor with visual poetry. The screenplay is sharp, filled with witty dialogue and clever wordplay that keeps you engaged. The narrative's satirical take on capitalism and corporate culture is still relevant, offering a critique wrapped in comedy that's both timeless and timely. Lastly, the music by Carter Burwell complements the film's tone perfectly, adding another layer to the already rich tapestry of this cinematic experience. "The Hudsucker Proxy" is a film that rewards multiple viewings. Each watch reveals new details, new laughs, and new reasons to adore this quirky masterpiece. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates films that dare to be different, that celebrate eccentricity, and that ultimately celebrate the human spirit in all its flawed glory. Five stars? Absolutely, and then some.
