If you like Burn After Reading, You Will Love Hail Caesar

Rating: 8/10 (14 March 2016)

First I should point out my bias. "Hail, Caesar," seemed like it was made for me. I love the Golden Age of Hollywood, I love the music, the cast is great, the directors are among my favorite, and I like when movies don't take themselves too seriously.
Because of this, I absolutely loved Hail, Caesar. It seems complicated while watching it - I begin asking questions like, "What is this even about?" - but after some reflection I realized the simplicity behind the film. It simply follows a Production Manager offered an easier job and he must choose between the stress of the business he is good at and the safety of a business he doesn't feel drawn to. It is an incredibly simple concept, and about 15 minutes of the film are actually dedicated to that struggle. The rest of the film simply illustrates how complicated, stressful, and whacky the industry was back then.
I truly think creating such a large film out of the smallest struggle is brilliant. The Coen Brothers don't take too much time on plot or seriousness, but for some reason, by the end, the emotional arc and protagonists' decision was much more powerful than in more serious films they have written (Bridge of Spies).
There are some breakout performances and jokes that many might consider stupid, but I am still floored by the beauty of how simple it was. I wish I can give a more detailed review - but sadly I haven't yet been able to comprehend what makes the Coen Brothers' madness and stupidity so brilliant and powerful.
This is the type of film I can watch again and again. It has the makings of a cult classic - but it probably won't reach that point.