Unflattering and burlesque representation of Hollywood's past

Rating: 3/10 (7 February 2016)

The latest movie from the Coen brothers 'Hail, Caesar!' is another Hollywood invention that may resonate with some, for reasons that I still don't understand to this day. It originally appeared to appeal to a broad swath of moviegoers before its release, due in part to a strong marketing campaign. So, just like many moviegoers convinced by the ads, I decided to watch the latest inventions of the Brothers. To my dismay, the movie did not waste any time to mockingly dismiss the artistry and cultural legacy of the golden age of Hollywood. So, it is natural to try to understand the underlying motivation for a movie that had so much potential, but so incoherent that only those with unique sensibilities could enjoy and laugh from time to time. It is indeed hard to agree with New York Times' film critic Manohla Dargis, who believes the script was "written to amuse only the Coens and the Turner Classic Movies (TCM) crowd." Perhaps she watched a different version of the movie before she wrote her favorable review. Perhaps her perception of what moves and delights the TCM crowd is up for revision as well.
The movie tries rather unsuccessfully to showcase the different vices and nonsensical nature of the Hollywood's of the 1950s. Oddly enough, 'Hail, Caesar!' implodes on itself by all the nonsensical silliness packed in almost 2 hours, which few can understand, appreciate and enjoy. If you think the movie falls in the category of wise and insightful entertainment, you will certainly be disappointed. The whole plot is disjointed, so the only thing that one can do is to try to laugh from all the silliness and pointlessness taking place in each scene. Also, moviegoers should write letters to the Coen brothers to remind them that movies need an ending.
At a deeper level, the movie tries to indict the Hollywood's past for its political correctness, without taking the time to explore and understand the cultural and social underpinnings of its time. Luckily, the movie will soon fall into the category of cult following, in which ideas are only rehashed and regurgitated among those with no desire to see beyond the horizon.