Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- None
- witty
- whimsical
- bawdy
- date night
- lazy sunday
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film sweet, whimsical, and endearing, especially when its romantic comedy gives way to flamboyant satire of modern musicals.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The staged musical version of The Elephant Man becomes an extended sendup of oversized modern musicals.
Dexter's courtship, breakup, and attempt to reconcile are shaped by broad comic set pieces and eccentric obscenities.
Dexter's work as a comedian and actor continually intersects with his sincere relationship with Kate.
Dexter begins as straight man to Ron Anderson before being fired and pushed toward a leading stage role.
Films like The Tall Guy, and why
Four Weddings and a Funeral
british romantic comedy with eccentric characters, witty dialogue, and broad theatrical humor
Notting Hill
romantic comedy built around awkward protagonists, comic set pieces, and Richard Curtis-style emotional sincerity
The Producers
stage-world satire, deliberately extravagant musical comedy, and escalating absurdity
A Fish Called Wanda
offbeat british romantic comedy balancing slapstick, eccentric supporting characters, and heartfelt romance
Movie Details
- Director
- Mel Smith
- Release Date
- 1989-02-01
- Runtime
- 92 min
- Rating
- 5.7 / 10 (83)
Cast
- Jeff Goldblum
- Emma Thompson
- Rowan Atkinson
- Geraldine James
- Emil Wolk
- Kim Thomson
- Harold Innocent
- Anna Massey
- Joanna Kanska
- Peter Kelly
Common questions
- What is The Tall Guy about?
- An awkward theatrical understudy finds love, professional independence, and an outrageous musical vehicle in eccentric London show business.
- What is The Tall Guy like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Tall Guy as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.
- Is The Tall Guy violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Tall Guy.
- What did critics think of The Tall Guy?
- Critics broadly found the film sweet, whimsical, and endearing, especially when its romantic comedy gives way to flamboyant satire of modern musicals.
- Which films are like The Tall Guy?
- Films with a similar feel include Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, The Producers, and A Fish Called Wanda.
- How long is The Tall Guy?
- The Tall Guy runs 92 minutes.
