Review of Bowfinger

Introduction

Trying to break into the cutthroat movie business must be difficult at the best of times. Even harder if you have a crew, a cast and a great script, but no major star to draw in the crowds. The obvious answer is to hire one, but they cost big and funds are, shall we say, limited. An insurmountable problem? Not for Bobby Bowfinger (Steve Martin) as he develops a plan to film the world`s biggest movie star, Kit Ramsey (Eddie Murphy), without him being the slightest bit aware that he is in the movie. What follows is a series of bizarre and often hilarious set-pieces as Bowfinger tries to incorporate his script, his amateurish cast and crew into Ramsey`s daily routine.

Video

We are treated with a clean, sharp 1.85 anamorphic transfer that will not disappoint. Colours are deep and vibrant with no visible compression problems or artifacting. Nothing of worry here.

Audio

Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 (and surprisingly DTS), the audio is clear and distinct. For a film that is mainly dialogue-based it is vital that the centre channel is well separated as it is here. Again, no problems in this department. The music soundtrack is subtle and fits the film well.

Features

There`s quite an extensive collection of extras here, most of good quality. The director`s commentary (by Muppet-man Frank Oz) is very interesting and worth listening to, and he cites many examples of the problems of trying to work with two classic comic talents. Good stuff. Next up is a `spotlight on location` featurette that unfortunately is a bit naff, but some may find it of some interest. There are some deleted scenes; a couple of which I felt would have added to the end product but for some reason were excluded from the final cut. There is the obligatory theatrical trailer, Universal showcase, production notes and cast and filmmaker’s notes. The collection of outtakes are quite amusing and contain some great scenes of Murphy and Martin in ad-lib heaven.

Conclusion

Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy have both had some really lame scripts to deal with in their careers. For every good film that comes to mind, several bad ones do also. Both men are capable of some great comic deliveries and in this film they are given the chance to show us what they can really do. A true return-to-form for both stars.

Murphy actually plays two roles in the film, both of which are works of genius. He is particularly impressive as Kit and as the movie progresses, we see him slowly lose it when he believes he is being pursued by aliens. Martin is in the role he loves – as a manic, but charming Hollywood wannabe and gives a great performance. I think it’s safe to assume that we will see this double-act again.

The supporting cast is well chosen and capable enough. Daisy (Heather Graham) is very effective as the aspiring and naive actress who tries to further her career by systematically sleeping around the cast. The scene where Bowfinger wines and dines her is a tour-de-force in stinginess. I guarantee you will cringe at some of his preparations for the romantic dinner!Overall, Bowfinger is a definite must see. Every taste in comedy is catered for here and most people will find something to chuckle over during its 96 minute length. The film is clever and effective and doesn’t set out to blatantly mock the movie industry, but instead delivers a sharp, focused and witty vision of one man’s quest for fame.

If you’ve been put off Martin and/or Murphy having seen some of their previous films, then rent or buy this movie and your faith in both stars will be fully restored.