Streaming Gems: Raising Arizona (1987)
Photo from Mubi
From Shane Conto
Do you enjoy some good old fashioned screwball comedies of the 30s and 40s? There are plenty of classic films from Howard Hawks, Billy Wilder, and others who just knew the right way to capture that comedic energy and produce something funny, exciting, and high energy. There are plenty of films who have been influenced by this era of comedy as well. One of the biggest fans of this genre is The Coen Brothers. Joel and Ethan are known for their dark and awkward comedy but there is plenty of room for a fast-talking and zany comedy in the Coen’s films as well. One of their best examples of their ventures into this classic comedy genre is Raising Arizona.
Why does this Southwestern American comedy stand out so much amongst the Coens’ filmography? There is something silly and zany when it comes to the whole atmosphere. Something like No Country for Old Men stands out as a heavy and rich cinematic experience (that also has plenty of unexpected humor along the way. The whole atmosphere of Raising Arizona is that of silliness. There are the big, loud yodeling musical interludes in the score that just reinforce the type of tone that the Coens are going for. With the Barry Sonnenfeld cinematography, the camera moves around in exaggerated moves and speeds that gives the film a feel of live action cartoon. The silly tone and over-the-top characters gives the film plenty of vibrant energy and that is exactly what you are looking for in a screwball comedy. Many of those classics are about the rich and generally are societies which makes the setting in the middle of desert and a bunch of redneck characters creates a fun dichotomy.
Speaking of those characters… who could resist such a cast? Nicolas Cage is pitch perfect as our protagonist, H.I. He has been a bit of a wandering man who keeps getting into trouble. There is an earnest charm about him though and Cage nails that presentation so well. His commitment to the simple man with a heart of gold but no sense is endlessly entertaining. That accent and draw are something else too. Holly Hunter is just perfect as H.I. 's love, Ed, with her crooked smile, unique voices, and ability to break down in the most hilarious of ways. John Goodman is a larger-than-life presence like no one else can possibly and the Coens know exactly how to use him. His dynamic with William Forsythe is endlessly fun. Then you have “The Biker of the Apocalypse” in Randall “Tex” Cobbs’ Leonard Smails who is gruff and intimidating as hell as well as Trey Wilson’ Nathan Arizona, Sr who portrays the best new money millionaire on film this side of Rodney Dangerfield.
Why is this film so visually stimulating too? There is a colorful palette on display in this screwball crime comedy. Just look at H.I. ‘s mugshot. The Hawaiian shirt that Cage has is so vibrant and tacky especially when worn unbuttoned and a tank top underneath struggling to lock up Cage’s insane chest hair. Speaking of hair…that mustache. That hair. Cage captures a vibe that is so unique in this film. The wild paint and wallpaper colors throughout the film are hard to imagine in real life. Who could have such taste? The Arizona’s resident has some of the wildest designs you will find in film. Sonnenfeld is able to capture every bit of color through the whole film. The sequences of Smalls on his motorcycle are visceral and visually arresting. Plenty of great uses of symmetry and bold colors makes this standout in a memorable way.
Is this early Coens’ effort a must see affair? Raising Arizona is quirky to the max but there are so many great gags and moments that will grab the attention of anyone. The stacked cast goes a long way in capturing the energy that is essentially for a good old screwball. There are buckets of laughs around every corner with this film thanks to the sharp script and charismatic cast. The combination of Coens and Sonnenfeld creates such a wild visual experience that is high energy. You can see all the potential right there in 1987 and the rest of the Coens filmography is great to check out.
Raising Arizona is now streaming on Hulu.
