Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.5

Bowfinger Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman August 11, 2017

Writer Steve Martin (L.A. Story) and Director Frank Oz (What About Bob?) turn the camera around for a lighthearted look at the fringes of the Hollywood system and one group's dedication to get their picture made at any cost in Bowfinger, a film about guerrilla filmmaking, passion for the process, and sacrifice in the name of getting the shot. "A beautiful lie" is how one character describes the story during in an informal after-action report. It's a fitting reflection for the story, about how rogue filmmakers who don't always follow the rules -- bending and breaking them as needed -- do follow their hearts in an effort to make something of themselves by making something on the outskirts of the normal process. Candid, funny, and engagingly insightful not so much into the system but rather the human spirit to achieve, the film gives audiences access to more than just the roving set for a minor, would-be major, motion picture, offering instead a glimpse into the spirit of the movie world and the ups and downs that make it tick, whether on a major blockbuster or a shady indie.

Bobby Bowfinger (Steve Martin) is a struggling, low-rent movie producer who runs his production house out of a badly dilapidated postage stamp home that's easily lost in the Hollywood excesses around him. He's super-excited by a script that's just crossed his desk. He promises its writer (Adam Alexi-Malle) Hollywood fame and fortune and manages to piece together a makeshift crew. All he's missing is backing and a star. He sets up a "meeting" with a Hollywood bigwig (Robert Downey, Jr.) who promises to release the film should Bowfinger land megastar Kit Ramsey (Eddie Murphy) to play the lead. Of course that will never happen, and indeed, Ramsey will have none of it, but Bowfinger has an idea: shoot around the actor, follow him around, and capture him candidly for any scenes requiring his presence. Things go well, particularly with the additions of a Ramsey lookalike named Jiff (also played by Murphy) and the super-willing fresh-off-the-bus Daisy (Heather Graham), but as the production runs into problems and as time ticks down, Bowfinger might need a miracle to pull off the movie of a lifetime.

Though Bowfinger's running arc follows the follies of a fishy film crew, it's more than just a tale of clandestine filmmaking and off-the-beaten-path examples of cinema trickery. It's much more interesting beyond the main story as a quirky, comically-bent character study about Hollywood types searching for success in any way they can find it, even if it means making a movie with a star who doesn't know he's the star. Call it a really big version of Candid Camera. Add that the unwitting and unknowing star suffers from paranoia and fears that play right into the script and the table is set for cinema absurdity on both sides of the camera: planning the shot and getting the shot. Bowfinger balances pointed satire, erratic humor, and a quirky but engaging narrative around a group of eclectic characters, each with their own curiosities, dreams, and abilities, some of whom find themselves stuck in the process and some of whom find themselves striving to push the envelope further and further in hopes of advancing their careers. The end result is a beautiful lie, yes, but also a beautiful mishmash of interconnected and somewhat complex characters and the humorous outcomes of their actions, made all the more absurd by the ridiculous premise that's at the middle of it all, the fictional would-be blockbuster titled Chubby Rain that, based on the nuggets the audience learns of the film, is a project that even the likes of some dream team with a Scorsese behind the camera and a Bogart in front of it could not save.

The cast laps up the material like a stray, hungry cat given a bowl of cream. There's an infectious enthusiasm that permeates the film that, along with a knowing understanding of the movie's humorous bend and satirical roots, creates an on-screen work space where actors shine individually and collectively, where every scene delivers a magical sense of camaraderie. Smiles and good cheer, even in some of the picture's more difficult scenes, translate into the audience. It's hard not actively root on the team, to find favor with every one of the primaries, to hope that all of the absurdity can somehow work out and result in a movie worth all the trouble and struggle. Murphy lights up the screen in his dual roles, one as the comically frightened actor and the other as his kin whose smile is as big as his braces and whose magnetism brings the movie together. Graham finds a connection -- literally in most cases -- with her fellow cast while the veteran Martin perfectly embodies the cheerful but somewhat sly and slimy executive who puts it all together.

Bowfinger Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Bowfinger's 1080p transfer falls somewhere between "good" and "acceptable." It's a bit frustrating in typical Universal catalogue fashion, leaving some scenes appearing strong and faithful and others a bit lacking. When it's on, which is often, the image is rather nice, with a light and effortless grain structure, firm details, and well-rounded colors. Stability doesn't maintain throughout. A number of shots and scenes appear much more flat, absent the organic film-quality of the better moments. "Run-down," "dreary," "dull," and "flat" define select moments where textures are less than ideal, grain is less obvious, and colors less dynamic. Fortunately, those superior moments that hold firm in terms of balanced color and that reveal some pleasant clothing and environmental textures outweigh those others. Black levels and flesh tones alike are fine. Print wear is mostly obvious over the opening title sequence and is much less to nonexistent for the bulk of the film. Hardcore videophiles may balk, casuals will be pleased, and those in-between shouldn't fret too much.

Bowfinger Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Bowfinger features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that's enjoyably aggressive as necessary. One of the best sonic moments in the movie comes during a scene in which Jiff is tasked with crossing a busy highway, walking towards the camera with cars coming and going at top speed in both directions. The vehicles whoosh back and forth across the soundstage, engaging all of the speakers and reinforcing the sense of high-speed peril the character must traverse. Music plays with commendable detail and front-end width. Surrounds are used more in a support role rather than an active role. Light ambient effects fill in some gaps here and there. Dialogue drives most of the film, and it's presented as expected, with firm front-center placement, strong vocal detail, and quality prioritization.

Bowfinger Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Bowfinger contains a few supplements. No "top menu" is included. Extras may be accessed in-film via the pop-up menu.

• Deleted Scenes (480i, 5:35 total runtime).
• Outtakes (480i, 2:58).
• Spotlight on Location (480i, 23:25): A vintage behind-the-scenes feature that includes cast interviews, clips from the film, and footage from the shoot that together explore the project's history, cast and performances, themes, and more.
• Audio Commentary: Director Frank Oz dissects the film in detail, from concept and story to the improvised ending.
• Theatrical Trailer (480i, 2:02).

Bowfinger Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Bowfinger is a fun little movie made by an infectiously enjoyable plot (albeit one that certainly takes some notes from The Producers) and equally infectious performances. A breezy, agreeable, and re-watchable little film, Bowfinger is a showcase for some of the best actors of its time, all of whom go all-in for one of Frank Oz's best. Universal's Blu-ray is adequate, offering decent video, fair audio, and a few vintage supplements. Recommended.