Review of Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988) by Tonypolito — 29 Oct 2010

The true telling of the 1948 effort of charismatic Preston Tucker (Jeff Bridges) to found a new automobile company based on an then-stylish vehicle containing numerous innovations (eg, pop-out windshields, seat belts, padded dashboards) now industry standards. After cleverly overcoming a variety of entrepreneurial challenges, Tucker finds the dark forces of Detroit are well-armed and ready to conspire against him.

"Tucker" is Coppola's personal indulgence and obsession, a labor of love rooted in his fascination with the car and man since childhood. Coppola and producer George Lucas each own one of the 51 Tuckers ever built.

Coppola vigorously researched, ensuring an extraordinarily accurate portrayal, including extensive interviewing of Tucker's family. Evidence of such authenticity continually reveals throughout Coppola's commentary.

Historical stills under end credits exactly mirror film images. When the viewer sees Howard Hughes' plane taxi, it is in fact the plane Hughes used. In one factory scene, every Tucker still in existence is well-waxed and displayed.

The film's period stylings make for a unique pleasure to experience. Coppola invoked massive technique - backlighting & shadowing, context as period promotional advertising, authentic set pieces and murals, highly stylized transitioning, color filtering, costuming, text-fonting, split-screen telephone conversations, jingle-and-swing infused soundtrack - to load every frame with a rich 1940s aura that visually entertains on its own.

Jeff Bridges wears his role easily. Martin Landeau as Tucker's wingman provides a powerful, though understated, performance. Lloyd Bridges, Detroit's Congressional tool, delivers detestable well. Disney-esque at points, but the film holds something - romance, drama, biopic, underdog, suspense - for everyone, and is 99% suitable for sanitary family viewing.

RECOMMENDATION: "Tucker" ought be required viewing in every business school's entrepreneurship course. Highest recommendation.