Weighty themes ..... but ultimately style over substance

Rating: 7/10 (25 April 2016)

Despite its weighty themes, Hail Caesar! ends up as a film that is more style than substance. The Coens tear into proponents of ideologies like Communism and Capitalism. Christianity is also not spared. But ultimately, the Hollywood studio system, for better or worse is portrayed as a necessary keeper who moulds the character of flimsy and air-headed stars. The 1952 film The Bad and the Beautiful had a similar message. George Clooney, Josh Brolin and even some of the other actors act out their parts with a forced glee that is all too evident. None of them really made an impression on me. The film is more of a paean than a rebuke to 1950s Hollywood films and the men who kept everything in line. I wonder whether George Clooney's gullible superstar character was a dig at some of the politically outspoken Hollywood actors of today. The film can be enjoyed for the visuals alone, which are nothing short of spectacular. There are some great thread's on the IMDb message board which provide great explanations to the hidden meanings of some of the scenes.
(6/10)