10th Anniversary TLDR: Hail, Caesar! (2016)

Plot: When a Hollywood star mysteriously disappears in the middle of filming, the studio sends their fixer to get him back.

Direction & Screenplay: The Coen Brothers need no introduction, so I won’t bother with one. This is the movie they made in between Inside Llewyn Davis, which you could probably convince me is their best movie, and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, which was their final collaboration before taking time for their solo careers. It took me ten years to appreciate this one, which is much more fun and much sillier than I originally gave it credit for. It seems like it was a slow burn for a lot of people. Kudos to those who saw what it was right away.

Performances: Just like any great Coen movie, this one has a deep roster of great performances, so I’ll just shout out a couple here. Between last year’s Weapons and his Tony Award win this year (for the play Becky Shaw, which I regrettably did not see), I learned that Alden Ehrenreich is actually a really good actor. I had always thought of him as another guy who came and went after his blockbuster (Solo) bombed. He’s very funny in this. Speaking of, Ralph Fiennes can do literally anything. Channing Tatum absolutely crushes his extended dance number, the wonderfully titled “No Dames!” And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Tilda Swinton, who gets to put on a silly costume for not one, but two characters: twins. More filmmakers should ask her to do that.

Cinematography: This one is shot by regular Coen collaborator Roger Deakins, one of the greats. Now in his late 70s, he seems to be slowing down, as he hasn’t shot in a movie in four years. Instead, he is, you’ll never guess, hosting a podcast. Good for him. After Skyfall, Blade Runner 2049, and 1917, he can do whatever he wants.

Best Moment: Would that it were so simple.

Fun Fact: The screenplay includes the direction, “Agreeable laughter from the Communists,” which is a very funny sentence.

Imaginary Accolade: The Rare Josh Brolin And/or George Clooney Leading Performances Where You Think, “Oh Yeah, They Were in That Too”

Runtime Check: All good at 106 minutes.

Rating: Right now, I have it placed ninth on my Coen ranking, but that list shuffles every time I watch or rewatch another of their movies.

Credit: Plot synopsis from Letterboxd via TMDb.