After watching Footloose, Tremors and Animal House, I became intrigued by Mr Bacon’s filmography during the 80’s. Leading in a number of romantic comedies, The Big Picture was one film that seemed to generate more favourable reviews. She’s Having a Bay was a bit hit or miss by most critics and Pyrates was generally reviled (however, I like it a good bit.)
Focusing on Bacon’s character Nick as he works his way from film student into the crazy world of the Hollywood movie business we see Nick’s attempts to cope with the bizarre collection of characters unleashed into his life. Nick flip flops around to try to keep producers sweet, as “his” movie is being mutated into something the studio can sell to the widest audience, even satisfying their own personal kinks along the way. Eventually everything falls apart and Nick has to rebuild his life and career.
Christopher Guest didn’t make too many comedies that followed a more conventional narrative, favouring the spoof documentary approach over the years. This makes The Big Picture a highly unique outing for him and it is certainly his best non-mockmentary feature film. Co Written by Michael Varhol of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure and co-star Michael McKean The Big Picture is in safe hands.
Most of The Big Picture is terrific fun, it’s just the last 15 minutes that loses its way. The ending is not egregious, it’s just a poor man’s way out of the terrific story that feels constrained by the 100 minute time limit. Whilst the ending is a little less impressive I find the score to be a little irksome. The dated comic approach distracts from the satire of the world Nick has stepped into. David Nichtern provides a giddy and upbeat little comedy score that isn’t bad, however, it could have been more subtle.
Bacon had a bit of a trend to fantasize in his comedies during the 80’s, throwing in dream-like comic experiences in the back of Bacon’s mind to illustrate his emotional reaction. These also happen in She’s Having a Baby and whilst charming it’s a bit strange the same tactic was deployed in two comedies, within a similar time period with the same lead.
There is a fantastic cast at play here. JT Walsh is, as always, brilliant as the sleazy studio head and whilst not quite the villain of the film, effectively acts as one. Jennifer Jason Leigh has an appropriately bonkers role as a weird student. Teri Hatcher looks the piece as the glamour actress who knows how to get what she wants and is the perfect contrast to Nick’s rock-solid girlfriend played by the underappreciated Emily Longstretch.
Michael McKean, a Guest regular, doesn’t have too much to do and it’s a less showy role for his talents, however, it’s nice that both Bacon and McKean effectively lose normality in their friendship as Bacon is pulled into the horrors of the studio system. I have a theory that during early development McKean was earmarked for Bacon’s role, however, the studio wanted a more established star to open the film, I’m probably in correct. This would be nicely reflected in the role he played.
There are also a slew of interesting cameos, some great, some meek. Martin Short is superb in an uncredited role, yet John Cleese’s billed role is seconds long and hardly utilities him. Elliot Gould, Stephen Collins and Roddy McDowell all pop up in weirdly small cameos, some credited, some not.
I do like The Big Picture and there are a good few belly laughs as the film rolls along. Anyone with a deep appreciation of film will enjoy the lampoon of student movies, however, they are a little harsh. As a comedy, it’s funny, as a satire it’s a little too wacky but all in all, it’s a fine distraction.
There was some fun poster art for The Big Picture, curiously one lists Martin Short in the principals, despite being an uncredited cameo.
I had The Big Picture on VHS, and it wasn’t easy to find in the UK at the time. A DVD is also out there and remains the best option for fans of the film… it’s expensive though.
There is a US Blu ray, linked here through my affiliate link, however, there is little incentive to upgrade other than a slight visual boost. The commentary from Bacon and Guest was omitted from this release.
