A Fistful of Reviews - Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988)

Rated: PG
Runtime: 1 Hour and 50 Minutes

Reviewer: Dale
Grade: A+

"Tucker" is the astounding true story of a man who, in the late 1940's, tried to start his own car company. He had no real financing, just a few connections. He had no prototype. He had no factory. All he had was an idea. The rest fell into place later. But, unfortunately, his dream never quite became the reality he hoped it would be.

First off, let me just say that the main point of interest in this film is the story itself. This is a totally fascinating true story that I, personally, had never heard. Probably that's the way that the Big 3 auto companies wanted it. Tucker had many revolutionary ideas for his time. He was the first guy to think about putting seat belts in cars, the first to put the engine in the trunk. He had cool ideas like three headlights and windshields that did not shatter but rather came apart in one big chunk. He was a dreamer, an innovator, a man with good ideas.

Maybe too good. He was hindered at every turn of the way, hampered along his road to success. The movie chronicles the ups and downs of a man who dares to dream (more downs than ups, I'm afraid) and it is never anything less than remarkable. In this way it reminded me of the movie "Ed Wood", another great film about a dreamer who is ultimately destined to fail. And it is every bit as good as that film. Possibly better.

Aside from a true and compelling story to tell, there are many other virtues to recommend "Tucker". The production design is nothing less than stunning. The look of the film is absolutely beautiful. Every moment is a marvel to the eye. From the first frame, you are utterly absorbed into this bygone world. You can almost smell it.

The performances are all top shelf as well. Jeff Bridges is magnetic and amazing as a man whose dreams are a little bigger than he can actually make them. And even when he falls a bit short, he is mostly undeterred, pressing forward on an almost impossible reserve of optimism.
He is also quite high on the idea of making the world a better place, even if it is just giving people a better car. That isn't to say that he is a totally perfect person, however. He explodes on occasion and claims that the Big 3 auto companies should be "charged with manslaughter" (a statement which does nothing to endear him to others in the business). But he keeps his head pretty well for a man who seems to have an endless amount of opposition.

Joan Allen (in an early performance) is likewise excellent as his long-suffering and supportive wife. She's no doormat though, either. She can be tough as nails when she must, and is sometimes a lioness when it comes to protecting her husband's fragile dreams. This was long before the world of cinema had truly recognized Joan for the dynamic performances that she is capable of giving, but it just shows that she just didn't become good a couple of years ago. She has been outstanding for years, we just haven't caught on until recently. Dean Stockwell and Lloyd Bridges are also wonderful in cameo turns in this movie and Elias Koteas ("The Thin Red Line", "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles") does a fine job as the man assigned to bring Tucker's schemes to reality.

More of the blame for this magnificent film must be laid squarely at the capable feet of Francis Ford Coppola. Many have accused him of sucking recently. Many would go so far as to say that he has not done a great movie since "Apocalypse Now". I beg to differ. In my eyes, this one and "Bram Stoker's Dracula" are two of his all-time best films. He's had his share of missteps, sure, but name me one director who hasn't been responsible for the occasional lapse of judgment. (And even "Jack" wasn't THAT horrible.)

Bottom line: this is a great movie. It is rich in texture, emotion and clever cinematic devices. It stuns the eye, captures the heart, and involves the brain. It is a movie to watch and discuss afterward. It is, thus, everything that great filmmaking is all about. It is the sort of movie that Frank Capra might have made. Although I doubt he would have done it this well, or with such a hidden dark side.

	Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988)
	Rated: PG Runtime: 1 Hour and 50 Minutes Reviewer: Dale Grade: A+ "Tucker" is the astounding true story of a man who, in the late 1940's, tried to start his own car company. He had no real financing, just a few connections. He had no prototype. He had no factory. All he had was an idea. The rest fell into place later. But, unfortunately, his dream never quite became the reality he hoped it would be. First off, let me just say that the main point of interest in this film is the story itself. This is a totally fascinating true story that I, personally, had never heard. Probably that's the way that the Big 3 auto companies wanted it. Tucker had many revolutionary ideas for his time. He was the first guy to think about putting seat belts in cars, the first to put the engine in the trunk. He had cool ideas like three headlights and windshields that did not shatter but rather came apart in one big chunk. He was a dreamer, an innovator, a man with good ideas. Maybe too good. He was hindered at every turn of the way, hampered along his road to success. The movie chronicles the ups and downs of a man who dares to dream (more downs than ups, I'm afraid) and it is never anything less than remarkable. In this way it reminded me of the movie "Ed Wood", another great film about a dreamer who is ultimately destined to fail. And it is every bit as good as that film. Possibly better. Aside from a true and compelling story to tell, there are many other virtues to recommend "Tucker". The production design is nothing less than stunning. The look of the film is absolutely beautiful. Every moment is a marvel to the eye. From the first frame, you are utterly absorbed into this bygone world. You can almost smell it. The performances are all top shelf as well. Jeff Bridges is magnetic and amazing as a man whose dreams are a little bigger than he can actually make them. And even when he falls a bit short, he is mostly undeterred, pressing forward on an almost impossible reserve of optimism. He is also quite high on the idea of making the world a better place, even if it is just giving people a better car. That isn't to say that he is a totally perfect person, however. He explodes on occasion and claims that the Big 3 auto companies should be "charged with manslaughter" (a statement which does nothing to endear him to others in the business). But he keeps his head pretty well for a man who seems to have an endless amount of opposition. Joan Allen (in an early performance) is likewise excellent as his long-suffering and supportive wife. She's no doormat though, either. She can be tough as nails when she must, and is sometimes a lioness when it comes to protecting her husband's fragile dreams. This was long before the world of cinema had truly recognized Joan for the dynamic performances that she is capable of giving, but it just shows that she just didn't become good a couple of years ago. She has been outstanding for years, we just haven't caught on until recently. Dean Stockwell and Lloyd Bridges are also wonderful in cameo turns in this movie and Elias Koteas ("The Thin Red Line", "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles") does a fine job as the man assigned to bring Tucker's schemes to reality. More of the blame for this magnificent film must be laid squarely at the capable feet of Francis Ford Coppola. Many have accused him of sucking recently. Many would go so far as to say that he has not done a great movie since "Apocalypse Now". I beg to differ. In my eyes, this one and "Bram Stoker's Dracula" are two of his all-time best films. He's had his share of missteps, sure, but name me one director who hasn't been responsible for the occasional lapse of judgment. (And even "Jack" wasn't THAT horrible.) Bottom line: this is a great movie. It is rich in texture, emotion and clever cinematic devices. It stuns the eye, captures the heart, and involves the brain. It is a movie to watch and discuss afterward. It is, thus, everything that great filmmaking is all about. It is the sort of movie that Frank Capra might have made. Although I doubt he would have done it this well, or with such a hidden dark side.