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.

There's a scene in this film which perfectly mirrors people's reaction to this movie. When Goldblum's Girlfriend and Landlady share a box to watch the first night of his starring role as the Elephant man their disparate reactions to the show echo the disparate reviews that appear here.As with most comedy, you have to be somewhat in the right frame of mind to enjoy it... and the sneering classes aren't ever going to be in the right frame of mind.British comedy has a tendency to be either gentle and thoughtful and unafraid to mix real drama and sadness in with the humour (As Time Goes By, Last of the Summer Wine, 4 Weddings and a Funeral) or traditional farce (Monty Python, keeping up Appearances, Fawlty Towers).Americans seem to "get" the latter more easily and this is one very much of the "gentle, thoughtful" ones. If your reaction to the death in "4 Weddings" was "why did they put that in there? It's not funny" don't see this film. But if your reaction was discover that the sadness highlighted the joy of the remainder and brought it into focus then you'll "get" this film and enjoy it.Jeff Goldblum and Rowen Atkinson fans beware! Both are playing very much against type and in Atkinson's case that is a deliberate self parody and part of the joke. He is funny by being as unfunny as it's possible to be.So what about the film, specifically? The story is a fairly simple one except with some clever role reversals on sexual stereotypes. Shy boy, worldly wise girl, evil boss, hard times survived, good times lead to temptation and betrayal and, finally, a denouement which echoes back to the role reversed attitudes that cemented the relationship in the first place.The show is funny and well, though not perfectly, paced. The straight and personable acting enhances the comedy as do the moments of real drama. There are zingers throughout the show, not all of which are verbal.Everyone takes away a different "perfect moment" from the film and for me it was the exchange between Goldblum and the policewoman... "I'm sorry, I know I was speeding but I have to get to the hospital right away", "Oh yes, of course... You poor man".If you want to know WHY that's so funny you can probably work it out from all that's been said or you'll just have to see it to find out.

Done by the people of FOUR WEDDINGS before they were famous. A key episode is a musical adaptation of the ELEPHANT MAN called TUSK! The skewering a Stephen Berkhoff is devastating. This is equal to Kevin Kline's fabulous dinner theater DEATH OF A SALESMAN in SOAP DISH. Who could guess the topless Emma Thompson could be so sexy? The headlining of Jeff Goldblum is offbeat and has probably misled the some naive sorts; but Goldblum succeeds in playing against type. The gag, of course, is that mousy Rowan Atkinson is doing the same thing--a most unlikely heavy.Too subtle for mallrats. A legendary, often-cited film among theater buffs.

Possible spoilers ahead!The Tall Guy is British comedy at its best. It isn't a masterpiece, but it isn't trying to be. This film revels in wackiness and silly sexuality, and never takes itself seriously. It's a humble love story that always leaves me smiling.Jeff Goldblum has just the right kind of weirdo edge for the part. I don't know many American actors who would take on a role requiring them to sneeze on a naked plumber or get shot in the arm by a barking doctor. Rowan Atkinson is deliciously acerbic as an evil version of himself.I recommend The Tall Guy if you enjoy any kind of off-the-wall British comedy, like The Young Ones (I'm sure that's where the singing Y-fronts originated!), Monty Python, or even Rowan Atkinson's own stand-up shows.See the British release if you can! The US release has been messed about by some editor who seemed to think many of the jokes would go over Americans' heads.