The Tall Guy (1989)

Jeff Goldblum is a fine American actor who works in London, England at a theatre playing straight man to Rowan Atkinson, Britain's Bean and Black Adder. In this comedy written by Richard Curtis, he falls in love with a nurse played by Emma Thompson before she became famous. The film is satisfactory with a great cast like Anna Massey who played her agent and Geraldine James OBE. The film is funny at times with a silly song. There are the awkward sexual moments in the film which is outrageous and out of place at times. I enjoy Rowan Atkinson who plays a British comedian who does his show eight times a week with Goldblum as his second in command. When he gets an unlikely role as the Elephant man, he becomes funny even though the Elephant Man musical is a ridiculous idea. Still, the cast is worth watching.

This is a very funny film. Jeff Goldblum and Emma Thompson are stand-outs. Rowan Atkinson is excellent as a smarmy "leading man" in the musical "Elephant!" who tries to sink Goldblum's chances in the musical. The love scenes with Thompson and Goldblum are inspired, particularly the first time they have sex. I can't recall a film that treats the act in such a spontaneous, slapstick and totally hilarious manner as it's done here. The actor's quirky takes and interaction are most funny, and the entire film is simply a delight.I've told many friends to seek out this movie, and those who have taken my advice have thanked me profusely for letting them know about it.I can't recommend it too highly--for a fun night alone, or with your special someone. It'll put a smile on your face you can't wipe off.

Jeff Goldblum plays a gawky, downtrodden American actor living in England who plays straight man to an obnoxious, unpleasant comedian. Rowan Atkinson is the obnoxious, unpleasant comedian who torments Jeff. Emma Thompson is a pretty, deadpan nurse who gives Jeff's life hope and meaning when he falls in love with her and vice versa. After parting ways with Atkinson, Jeff lands the lead role in "Elephant!", a musical version of "The Elephant Man", in which he plays, of course, the Elephant Man. Jeff's eternal happiness is nearly thwarted by a cute co-star who threatens his romance with Emma Thompson. Will Jeff come out on top? Of course he does. This isn't "The Fly" after all. Too long but still very funny, with Jeff well cast as the title character. Atkinson is a great antagonist and Emma Thompson has her moments of inspired deadpan humor. And of course, the actual "Elephant" sequences are a riot."Vengeance shall BE MINE!" Jeff as Dexter King, AKA: The Tall Guy.

Wow -- talk about polarization. I watched this 15 year old movie for the first time this past weekend and I thought it was terrific, gentle fun. Then I looked at the comments and found that it was tied with "Citizen Kane" with some viewers, but with "Plan 9 from Outer Space" with the rest. What is there in this little film that should polarize everyone so?Rowan Atkinson behaving like a creep? Emma Thompson's 15-years-ago tush? Jeff Goldblum doing a pretty nice job as a vague almost-actor? I think I will join the polarization here and state that I choose not to go to a party with those "one star" people. I'll bet they just discuss poetry and stuff.How did I like this movie? Let me count the ways? 1. Funniest damned sex scene I can recall. 2. Landlady-Carmen and friends -- what do you people mean, unnecessary character? 3. "Elephant!" Is that show coming soon to a theatre near me? 4. Weak ending -- who cares?