Tucker: The Man and His Dream

The first time I saw this movie was in an Intro To Occupations class, I really enjoyed it that time, and when it came on TV, I taped it because I liked it so much. Jeff Bridges deserved an oscar nomination for his outstanding performance as the determined Preston Tucker who has a dream to built a car, we get to see his progress, and dissapointments in the process. A nice supporting cast also livens the movie up even more. This is an extrememly memorable film with excellent performances and direction. This is a film that more people should see. ***1/2 out of ****.

Thus is a superb movie. Firstly, the story line is just great. The true story of a man who fights against all the odds to realize his dream. Secondly, it's hard to imagine a better cast. They do an extraordinary job in bringing to life all the wonderful characters involved. Jeff Bridges is perfect as Tucker, and Landau is brilliant as the money man. But what really makes this work, is the way Tucker's undying spirit is brought out. He seems to lose the battle of making cars, but wins the ultimate battle of fulfilling himself and keeping his integrity. {"They're only machines, the idea's the important thing."] Over the years, I have collected many hundreds of movies, but this one has to be in the top ten. By the way, I just loved the music sound track. Very 40's.

More than simply the triumph of human spirit, Francis Ford Coppola's "Tucker: The Man and His Dream" specifically shows how Preston Tucker (Jeff Bridges) sought to challenge the dominance of the big automakers and they set out to destroy him. I had never heard of Preston Tucker before watching this movie, so it was fascinating to learn about his deeds. Bridges is great as the entrepreneur, with Joan Allen as his wife Vera. I see that Coppola had weighed making this movie right after "The Godfather Part 2". While I do believe that he made the correct choice in making "Apocalypse Now" - which I consider his greatest movie - this certainly would have constituted a fine follow-up to the films about the Corleone family. Definitely worth seeing. Also starring Martin Landau, Frederic Forrest, Mako, Christian Slater, Jay O. Sanders, Lloyd Bridges and Michael McShane (in his final role).

Preston Tucker (Jeff Bridges) is an engineer designer in Detroit. During WWII, he designed a fast armored car which was rejected but he does earn a small fortune producing his aircraft gun turrets. With his wife Vera (Joan Allen), son Preston Jr (Christian Slater), and others, he decides to build his revolutionary car of the future but he faces savage backlash from the big three Detroit carmakers and government officials as well as a backstabbing board. Director Francis Ford Coppola is all about ingenuity and the underdog. Despite its ending, the movie is upbeat and old fashion in its feel good sensibility. It's a lesser known entrepreneur but it is very much a heroic American story. This movie could have been done by Frank Capra. This is for car fans and anyone rooting for the dreamer.

Preston Tucker was a man with a dream. He actually advertised his new car and even took advanced orders for it. But the truth is that there was never a chance that Tucker would ever be able to deliver on his promises. Jeff Bridges plays the would be automotive tycoon with an Oscar going to his co-star Martin Landau for his portrayal of "Abe" Tucker's business manager. You will enjoy seeing most all of the remaining Tuckers in this film. This is a good film and I recommend it.