Introduction"The Hudsucker Proxy" is a funny movie from 1994, directed by the Coen siblings, Joel and Ethan. The movie casts notable actors such as Tim Robbins, Paul Newman, and Jennifer Jason Leigh. The plot of the film revolves around an innocent organization graduate who is used as a pawn in a business plot.
PlotThe film opens in the middle of the high-rises of New York City, where Waring Hudsucker, the president of Hudsucker Industries, jumps from a window of the 44th floor. His drastic exit from life leaves his powerful position vacant. In the interim, the business's board, led by Sidney J. Mussburger (Paul Newman), tries to manipulate the circumstance for their benefit. To prevent any hostile takeover, they prepare to depress the company's stocks by designating an imbecile as the new president hoping this will drive the share rates down. Their eyes land on naïve service graduate Norville Barnes (Tim Robbins), who inadvertently motivates them with his unusual concept for a new product.
A recently employed mailroom clerk, Norville, rapidly finds himself promoted to the top executive position. Mussburger believes that Norville's incompetence will drive Hudsucker's stock to the ground, enabling him and the other board members to purchase the majority of shares at throwaway costs. To their surprise, Norville's unusual item concept, a "hula-hoop", ends up being a definite success, tossing their strategies into disarray.
Functions and PerformancesTim Robbins plays Norville Barnes, a company graduate from Muncie College of Business Administration. He portrayed the character of a naïve yet smart male, best for the plot. Paul Newman as Sidney Mussburger was outstanding as a villain who plots against his company for individual gain. Jennifer Jason Leigh plays the role of Amy Archer, a fast-talking Pulitzer-winning press reporter who initially utilizes Norville for a scoop, only to ultimately fall for him. The efficiency by the star cast was well appreciated.
Overarching Themes and Reception"The Hudsucker Proxy" blends elements of funny, dream, romance, and satire. Presented in an ageless, elegant vision of New York City, the movie provides an exaggerated representation of big business and business ladder climbing, welcoming styles of greed, innocence, and the power of a basic idea.
Upon its preliminary release, the movie got mixed reviews. Some critics enjoyed its cinematic style and humor, while others found its quirkiness a bit too much. However, as years have passed, it has actually gotten a more favorable reassessment and got a cult following, with fans valuing its vibrant storytelling, visual looks, and satirical humor.
Conclusion"The Hudsucker Proxy" is an unique mix of funny, romance, and business satire, endowed with the Coen bros' distinct storytelling design. Regardless of its combined early reception, the movie's quality in efficiencies, set design, and its appealing plot has strengthened its status as a traditional in the years because its release.
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