The Hudsucker Proxy

Evoking the fast-talking screwball comedies of Howard Hawks and Frank Capra, the Coens conjure up this magical tale of corporate malfeasance in the booming business world of 1950s New York City. Tim Robbins plays a slow-witted simpleton installed as president of Hudsucker Industries by Paul Newman’s scheming board member as part of an elaborate stock scam, all the while he is spied on and smitten by a no-nonsense newshound modeled on the great Katharine Hepburn. Comically exaggerated with a visually extravagant Manhattan-scape, this satirical comedy manages the implausible feat of being simultaneously ironic and original.

Cannes Film Festival: In Competition