The Big Kahuna

Generally, I'm not a fan of comedies. The Big Kahuna (1999), featuring Kevin Spacey and Danny DeVito was, however, a comic feast for me. A boring hotel in Whitchita, Kansas, is the setting of the film. Three sales reps are planning to set up a meet & greet party, the main purpose of which is to allure a potentional client ("the big Kahuna") into making a Big Business Deal with them. The elusive 'cahuna' turns up for the party, but is only recognized by Bob, a rookie in the field, who converses with him about dogs and Jesus - to the disappointment of the others, keen on a business deal. Being based on a play, the film revolves around conversations between these three people: a young, gentle-mannered Baptist zealot, a cynical 'business is business' type (Spacey), and a life-weary man (DeVito) who is on a quest for meaning in life. Perhaps due to my philosophical interests, I could even stomach the talkey monologue part towards the end - I prefer to think about it as a presentation of one man's perspective, rather than as a philosophical indulgence on the part of the writer.

The film is packed with witty observations and the tension between the characters is well worked-out, so that the film is never heading towards stereotypes. It is one of the most interesting films about religion I've seen in a while. And business, of course. I'm planning to watch Glengarry Glenn Ross to which this film is often compared.

Larry Mann: There are people in this world, Bob, who look very official while they are doing what they are doing. And do you know why?
Bob Walker: Why?
Larry Mann: Because they don't know what they are doing. Because if you know what you are doing, then you don't have to look like you know what you are doing, because it comes naturally.