Writer/Directors: The Coen Brothers
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Josh Brolin and Tilda Swinton
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors have made movies that shine as bright as Ralph Fiennes. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Fiennes has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s religious preachers, Nazi commanders or political leaders, Fiennes has always portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Fiennes’ finest strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has often had talent for stealing the show in supporting roles with limited screen time. Even when he’s not the main focus of a movie, Fiennes always leaves a lasting impression. An actor with bold commitment, Fiennes has proven a celebrated icon in entertainment. Although he is arguably best known for his iconic role as Voldemort in the Harry Potter series, Fiennes has proven he can make engaging films in every single genre. Throughout a long lasting career, Fiennes has made many memorable movies that definitely are worth faking about.
I’m a huge fan of Fiennes and adore all movies that he has made in his career. However, “Hail, Caesar” is my favourite. Released in 2016, the Coen Brothers’ movie offered a strong satire of the film industry. Packed with bold production, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the greatest films ever made about Hollywood. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Ralph Fiennes, who embodies a Hollywood director that experiences tension. Ultimately, what makes “Hail, Caesar” a great movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most films about Hollywood, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A captivating period piece about Hollywood, there are many strong reasons why “Hail, Caesar!” Is a movie which is worth seeing.
Set in 1950’s Hollywood, “Hail, Caesar!” tells the story of a commemorated Hollywood fixer that strives to resolve a murder. Josh Brolin portrays Eddie Mannix, a famous Hollywood producer with a talent for investigating murder. Assisted by his longtime friend producer Laurence Laurentz (Ralph Fiennes), Eddie has always excelled at investigating mysterious disappearances in the film industry. However, Eddie’s life dramatically changes when he is given a chance to inspect the disappearance of a famous actress. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Eddie begins to question whether it’s possible for him to become a successful producer. Faced with a dilemma, Eddie questions associations with a commemorated profession causing trauma. Facing situations which are misunderstood, Eddie questions his long-running connection to Hollywood.
The Coen Brothers have often been fascinated with the mystery genre. An excellent directing duo, the Brothers have often made engaging movies about mysterious murders. Their iconic movie “Fargo” captured the lives of detectives investigating murders in a small town of Fargo. With “Hail, Caesar!”, however, the filmmakers crafted their first ever Hollywood satire. It was the directors’ first attempt to capture lives of producers amid the 1950’s, but he pulled it off successfully. Using stunning cinematography, the Brothers capture a producer that strives to investigate mysteries in the industry. Recalling “Barton Fink”, the brothers successfully employ handheld cinematography to capture the film industry. For instance, handheld camerawork enhances the mystery scene. During this tense scene, Eddie discovers shocking evidence of a star’s disappearance. Handheld camera is a complex technique to use in movies. As David Yates’ “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two” suggested, handheld camerawork enhances fantasy films. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Through captivating visuals, the Coen brothers capture tensions that fixers in Hollywood are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Hail, Caesar!” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical point-of-view, the movie is extremely well made. Evoking Spike Jonze’s “Adaptation”, The Coen Brothers successfully use production to capture the lives of fixers in Hollywood experiencing tension. For instance, set-design elevates the film production scene. During this unforgettable scene, Baird seeks to prepare for a film shoot causing tension. Using gorgeous production, The Coen Brothers craft a bold portrait of Hollywood that’s compelling. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Carter Burwell’s music is key towards success of the film. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that producers in Hollywood bear. Through powerful production, the Coen Brothers capture lives of Hollywood producers facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “Hail, Caesar!” Is a film about Hollywood that is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses dramatic monologues to capture the lives of actors which face tension. Throughout the film, Baird’s monologues show his strong views concerning the film industry. During this unforgettable scene, Baird delivers an emotional monologue expressing his strong views on the film industry. Through compelling dramatic monologues, the Coen Brothers craft a portrait of Hollywood which audiences easily relate to. Dramatic monologues are commonly complex to use in movies. Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” suggested that monologues enhance movies about the Holocaust. Edward Berger’s “Conclave” claimed that monologues enhance movies about religion. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Through a strong screenplay, the Coen Brothers capture struggles endured by fixers seeking success in L.A.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Ralph Fiennes delivers one of his best career performances as Laurence Laurentz. Fiennes first earned appreciation for portraying Nazi commanders in historical dramas. With “Hail, Caesar!”, however, he took on his most comical role. It isn’t easy to portray a Hollywood fixer in the 1950’s, but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Fiennes has always excelled at playing emotional heroes which experience pressure, and “Hail, Caesar!” demonstrated his greatest strength as an actor. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, dedication and resentment of a renowned Hollywood fixer. It’s a fantastic performance by one of the best actors working today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Ralph Fiennes, the supporting cast is also excellent and worthy of appreciation. George Clooney is captivating, capturing the bravery of an actor that isn’t afraid to express views on the film industry. Scarlett Johansson is superb, capturing the tension of an actress that seeks recognition in a competitive profession. Lastly, Tilda Swinton merits recognition. As a strong actress, she brings charisma towards the film.
Finally, “Hail, Caesar!” would earn the praise of everyone for capturing fixers in Hollywood facibg disaster. Unlike most movies about the film industry, it tackles relatable themes which everyone would identify with. The film tackles strong themes including ambition, career and success which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of Hollywood to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about stardom that would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Hail, Caesar!” is one of those rare films about Hollywood that everyone would without doubt adore.
Fans of Ralph Fiennes would definitely enjoy “Hail, Caesar!” and so would movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A riveting period piece about Hollywood, it honours an actor that’s inspiring.
Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking film about fixers seeking success in the film industry, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has built a lasting legacy through his abilities to portray compelling characters with strong personalities in unforgettable movies which audiences commonly love dearly.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 