If you're in the market for a comedy that doesn't take itself too seriously or just want to relax and laugh, Bowfinger (1999) may be for you.This Steve Martin written and Frank Oz directed (that's Yoda) picture is fun. My roommate showed it to me, and I wanted to share this with others. No major spoilers ahead.
🎥 STORY: A washed-up producer/director is in desperate need of a successful flick. He fails to secure the big-name star, so he decides to secretly include him in the movie anyways.
The motor behind this movie not film (as the character Bowfinger says) is Steve Martin's script. It reads like a comedian. Much of it is off-beat, and it doesn't take itself too seriously as I mentioned earlier. It's refreshing in a way. Don't get me wrong. It's not stupid but witty on the contrary. My absolute favorite scene is when he had their actor run across a busy LA interstate. Of course, he told him they were stunt drivers but... no. The decision for no music and amplifying the sound of the cars zooming by was fantastic.
Eddie Murphy is great casting playing two roles in the schizophrenic, over-the-top, entitled actor Kit Ramsey and the simple man replacement actor Jeff. Both roles are played very differently, and both are hilarious. His facial expressions are really what sells the roles. Jeff is the one who has to run across that intersection mentioned above.
Here's a touch of irony. In the movie, Kit Ramsey complains of never receiving any nominations. Well, I think Murphy should have earned a Golden Globe nomination at least since comedy and drama are different categories. The Oscars are possible too. He didn't though, so I thought it would be interesting to mention. However, Eddie Murphy would eventually be nominated in 2007 for the Oscars (6-time Golden Globe nominee and 1-time winner). His performance for Dolemite is My Name in 2019 was praised, but it was an extremely stacked year for actors.
Steve Martin himself does fine in the lead role alongside Heather Graham who plays the mid-western actress just rolling in.
Each scene where they secretly film is hilarious. Hiding in buildings, plants and vans to get the undercover shots is great.
Overall, it's an underrated movie that should be a must watch for comedy fans. My film, I mean movie, rating is an A.
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