“We wanted to create characters that were endearing despite their flaws and mistakes. H.I. and Ed are just ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, and that’s what makes them so relatable, says filmmaker Ethan Coen about Arizona Dream. “We were inspired by the screwball comedies of the past, .to have that same kind of fast-paced, witty humor, but with our own unique twist,” says Joel Coen.
Directed by the Coen Brothers and released in 1987, Raising Arizona is significant for its innovation, memorable performances, and lasting impact on both audiences and the film industry.
The film’s blend of zany humor, quirky characters, and heartfelt moments set it apart from traditional comedies of its time. The Coen Brothers’ distinctive storytelling style, with its blend of absurdity and sentimentality, is on full display.
“At its core, Raising Arizona is about the lengths people will go to for family and love. It’s a story about redemption and the idea that even the most flawed individuals can find a sense of purpose and belonging,” says Ethan Coen.
“Making Raising Arizona was a chance for us to experiment with different genres and styles. We wanted to push the boundaries of what a comedy could be, both visually and narratively,” says Joel Coen.
The film tells the story of H.I. “Hi” McDunnough (Nicolas Cage), a small-time repeat offender, and Edwina “Ed” (Holly Hunter), a former police officer. The unlikely pair fall in love and get married. Despite their desire to start a family, they discover that Ed is infertile, and they are unable to adopt due to Hi’s criminal record. Desperate to have a child, they hatch a plan to kidnap one of the Arizona Quints, the newborn quintuplets of wealthy furniture magnate Nathan Arizona (Trey Wilson). They hope that the large family won’t miss just one baby. The couple successfully snatches Nathan Junior, and chaos ensues as they attempt to raise the baby while evading law enforcement, a pair of escaped convicts (John Goodman and William Forsythe), and a relentless bounty hunter (Randall “Tex” Cobb) who is determined to return the baby for a hefty reward.
Joel and Ethan Coen’s inspiration for Raising Arizona
Raising Arizona is a product of the Coen Brothers’ creative vision, blending their personal experiences, cinematic influences, and desire to experiment with different genres to create a memorable and beloved film.
The Coen Brothers have mentioned that their own lives and experiences influenced the characters and themes in “Raising Arizona.” For example, they were inspired by the idea of people trying to start a family and the lengths they would go to for their loved ones.
They were inspired by the screwball comedies of the 1930s and 1940s, such as the work of Preston Sturges. They wanted to create a film that combined fast-paced, witty dialogue with slapstick humor and absurd situations.
The Coen Brothers have cited various literary influences, including the works of Flannery O’Connor, whose darkly comic stories often feature eccentric characters and moral dilemmas. This influence is evident in the film’s blend of humor and poignancy.
After the success of their debut film, “Blood Simple,” which was a dark and gritty thriller, the Coens wanted to explore a completely different genre. They aimed to showcase their versatility as filmmakers by creating a light-hearted, comedic film that contrasted sharply with their previous work.
The Coens were interested in creating a film centered around unique, larger-than-life characters. The eccentric and endearing personalities of H.I. and Ed, as well as the colorful supporting cast, allowed them to explore human nature and relationships in a humorous and heartfelt way.
Raising Arizona explores several significant themes
Family and Parenthood: At its heart, the film is about the desire for family and the lengths to which people will go to create and protect their own. H.I. and Ed’s journey to become parents, despite their unconventional methods, reflects the deep longing for family and the challenges of parenthood.
Redemption and Transformation: The characters in the film, particularly H.I., undergo personal growth and transformation. H.I.’s journey from a repeat offender to a dedicated husband and potential father highlights themes of redemption and the possibility of change.
Moral Dilemmas: The film presents characters with complex moral choices, such as the decision to kidnap a baby in the hope of providing it with a loving home. These dilemmas force the characters and the audience to grapple with questions of right and wrong.
Absurdity and Humor: The Coen Brothers use absurd situations and humor to explore the chaos and unpredictability of life. The film’s quirky and exaggerated scenarios highlight the absurdity of human behavior and the often unpredictable nature of life’s events.
Love and Commitment: The relationship between H.I. and Ed is a central focus of the film. Their love for each other and their commitment to building a life together, despite numerous obstacles, underscore the importance of loyalty and perseverance in relationships.
Societal Expectations: The film also critiques societal expectations and norms, particularly regarding family and success. H.I. and Ed’s non-traditional approach to starting a family challenges conventional views and highlights the pressure to conform to societal standards.
These themes, combined with the film’s distinctive humor and storytelling, make Raising Arizona a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of human nature and relationships
In Raising Arizona, humor plays a crucial role in exploring and softening the impact of moral dilemmas
Alleviating Tension: Humor helps to diffuse the tension surrounding the serious and sometimes dark situations the characters find themselves in. For instance, the absurdity of H.I. and Ed’s decision to kidnap a baby is highlighted through comical scenes and over-the-top characters, making the moral dilemma more palatable for the audience.
Humanizing Characters: By using humor, the Coen Brothers make their characters more relatable and endearing. H.I.’s bumbling nature and Ed’s intense determination are exaggerated for comedic effect, but they also reveal the characters’ genuine desires and flaws. This humanization allows the audience to empathize with the characters, even when they make questionable choices.
Highlighting Absurdity: The film’s humor often underscores the absurdity of the situations and the characters’ actions. For example, the chaotic chase scenes and the exaggerated behavior of the bounty hunter, Leonard Smalls, highlight the ridiculousness of the circumstances. This use of humor prompts the audience to question the logic and morality of the characters’ decisions.
Balancing Serious Themes: The Coen Brothers skillfully balance the film’s comedic elements with its more serious themes. While the humor provides entertainment, it also serves to emphasize the underlying messages about family, redemption, and societal expectations. The comedic tone ensures that these themes are explored in a way that is engaging and thought-provoking without becoming overly heavy or preachy.
Satirical Commentary: The humor in “Raising Arizona” often includes satirical commentary on societal norms and expectations. The film pokes fun at the idealized image of the American family and the pressures to conform, using humor to critique these conventions while also exploring the characters’ struggles to navigate them.
Overall, the humor in Raising Arizona enriches the film’s exploration of moral dilemmas by making the characters’ experiences more relatable, highlighting the absurdity of their actions, and balancing the serious themes with a light-hearted and engaging tone.
Relevance of the film today
Raising Arizona remains relevant today for several reasons:
Timeless Themes: The film’s exploration of family, love, and redemption are universal and enduring themes that continue to resonate with audiences. The desire for family and the challenges of parenthood are experiences that many can relate to, regardless of the era.
Unique Style: The Coen Brothers’ distinctive storytelling, with its blend of humor, absurdity, and heartfelt moments, still stands out in the landscape of contemporary cinema. Their ability to balance dark comedy with emotional depth makes “Raising Arizona” a unique and memorable film.
Character Depth: The quirky and endearing characters, such as H.I. and Ed, remain relatable and engaging. Their struggles, flaws, and growth reflect the human condition, making them timeless and relevant to modern audiences.
Cultural Impact: The film has left a lasting mark on popular culture, influencing subsequent comedies and filmmakers. Its memorable quotes, distinctive style, and cult following have solidified its place in the pantheon of classic films.
Satirical Commentary: The film’s satirical take on societal norms and expectations continues to be relevant. The critique of the idealized American family, the pressures to conform, and the absurdity of certain social conventions are themes that still resonate in today’s world.
Rewatchability: Raising Arizona has a high rewatchability factor due to its humor, clever writing, and visual style. Audiences can continue to find new layers and nuances upon repeated viewings, keeping the film fresh and relevant.
More about the Coen Brothers
The Coen Brothers, Joel and Ethan Coen, are an iconic American filmmaking duo known for their distinctive style and versatility. Here’s a bit more about them:
Early Life and Education
- Joel Coen was born on November 29, 1954, and Ethan Coen on September 21, 1957, both in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
- Joel studied film at New York University, while Ethan studied philosophy at Princeton University.
Career Highlights
- They made their directorial debut with the neo-noir thriller “Blood Simple” in 1984.
- Some of their most acclaimed works include “Fargo” (1996), “The Big Lebowski” (1998), “No Country for Old Men” (2007), and “Inside Llewyn Davis” (2013).
- The Coen Brothers have been nominated for 13 Academy Awards together and have won several, including Best Original Screenplay for “Fargo” and Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay for “No Country for Old Men”.
Distinctive Style
- Their films often blend genres and subvert traditional storytelling conventions.
- They are known for their dark humor, quirky characters, and intricate plots.
- The Coens frequently collaborate with a regular group of actors, including Frances McDormand, John Goodman, and Steve Buscemi.
Solo Projects
- In recent years, the brothers have also pursued individual projects. Joel directed “The Tragedy of Macbeth” (2021), while Ethan directed “Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble in Mind” (2022) and “Drive-Away Dolls” (2024).
Contributions to Other Films
- Besides their own films, the Coen Brothers have written and produced for other directors, including Sam Raimi’s “Crimewave” (1985) and Steven Spielberg’s “Bridge of Spies” (2015).
Their unique vision and storytelling prowess have left an indelible mark on the film industry, making them one of the most influential filmmaking duos of our time.
