Review of Raising Arizona (1987) by Steff A — 08 Jan 2010

The Coen Brothers making a baby comedy??? That would surprise people even in 1987, having seen only "Blood Simple", let alone someone in 2010 having seen all Coen films. Well it is not "Look who's talking" I'll give you that. It is the first movie to show the true Coen style, the dark humor along with physical comedy, contemplating on life and depicting a colourful stupidity in the world that just ends up being cute.

The characters are wonderful stretched out caricatures the likes of which we 'll be used to in the following Coen films. They are pretty simple and hayseed but they also maintain an enriched vocabulary the likes of which you 'll meet in an Oxford scholar. The Coens do that because, to tell the truth it is so damn funny. It's not realistic and it won't happen. It layed the foundation for the Coen universe though. A universe were extraordinary things, often gruesomly funny, can happen. Most characters in Coen movies are scholars with heavy accents but that's why we love the Coens. It's their own way to present inner truths about humans and also make us laugh. Though in this film the delivery may be a little premature and leaning towards the laughing point it is still very satisfying.

From the director's chair the film looks like a dessert rose. The are stylistic close-ups, lively and energetic camerawork that isn't afraid to be handled just by hands. The film doesn't lack of POV shots and "Raimi cam" shots a name given by the Coens to the rushing camera towards characters that they use sometimes, a tribute to their longtime friend Sam "Evil Dead" Raimi. In a nutshell the direction really raises the material to a whole new level giving a fast pace to the film almost remniscient to an action film, a nice touch that helps the movie develop in a greatly entertaining way.

It would be a terrible mistake not to mention the performances of the movie. Most of all the leading hack!-I'm sorry-man. Nicholas Cage delivers a magnificent performance. No seriously. It is subtle while exaggerated and embodies the spirit of the movie perfectly. Holly Hunter proves to be fantastic as his counterpart in a role that fits her like a glove. Also Coen regulars to be Frances McDormand and John Goodman give instantly memorable performances. Credit should be given to the guys that have small parts like the old fellas in the bank and the grocery store. Their educated hicks performances surely provide much of the film's charm.

In conclussion, the film works great as a straight comedy but I think it also tries to convey something more that kind of misses in the end. Nevertheless this movie is funny, stylish and Coen. Guaranteed for a good time.