The Big White (2005)

Robin Williams
Holly Hunter
Giovanni Ribisi
Alison Lohman
Tim Blake Nelson

Directed by Mark Mylod

Plot: A travel agent in deep debt attempts to swindle a by-the-books insurance agent by claiming the corpse of a gangland hit as his long-missing brother in director Mark Mylod's dark crime comedy. Paul Barnell (Robin Williams) is in trouble. Saddled with a cantankerous wife (Holly Hunter) and unable to convince ambitious insurance company agent Ted (Giovanni Ribisi) to pay off the one-million-dollar claim on his brother, who has been missing for five years, Paul's debts are mounting as fast as his life is crumbling. When Paul discovers the corpse of a nameless man who ended up on the wrong side of the mob, desperation drives him to stage a grizzly death scene and make it look as if his brother has suffered a horrible fate. Though the local police force is easily taken by Paul's elaborate ruse, it's going to take a little more convincing before Ted is willing to sign off on the hefty insurance payment.

Review: Let me start by saying I had never heard of this film. I just walked in to the local video store looking for something new and different (I do that sometimes) and saw a new Robin Williams film. I glanced over it reading the premise, saw the cast, and realized I had to give it a chance.

Over the last few years I think Robin Williams has really shown his true acting ability. With brilliant performances in One Hour Photo and Insomnia, I realized he could actually act, not just be the funny man. This film is just another one of those films. Although not one of his ‘great’ performances, he carries the character well. The supporting cast were all entertaining and gave good performances. Although I am not a big fan, I thought Holly Hunter stole this movie with her character. She is just really funny to watch in this. The story isn’t anything spectacular, but had that Fargo feel to it and was very well put together. Overall I enjoyed this film and would recommend it.
 

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