The Big Fix

The Big Fix is an engaging comedic detective film from 1978, directed by Jeremy Kagan. The movie stars the outstanding Richard Dreyfuss, who is also the executive producer of the film, and is based on the novel of the same name by renowned mystery author Roger L. Simon. Dreyfuss shares screen space with talented actresses Susan Anspach and Bonnie Bedelia, each delivering noteworthy performances.

The plot of the film revolves around the off-beat antics and investigations of a former 1960s radical-turned-private-eye named Moses Wine. Played with perfect comic timing by Richard Dreyfuss, Moses is an unconventional detective, submerged in the cynicism and skepticism of the 1970s. Once an active participant in political strikes and protests, Moses is now a divorced single father of two who makes a living as a private investigator. However, his laid-back life takes an intriguing turn when a former flame, Lila (played by Susan Anspach), resurfaces with an interesting case.

Lila introduces Moses to a political mystery that opens a can of worms and drags him back into the world he left behind. It’s an election year, and a high-profile candidate, Miles Hawthorne, accuses his opposition of a smear campaign, using offensive flyers. The scandal intensifies as the flyers appear to have a connection with an elusive old radical, Howard Eppis, who, like a specter from the past, haunts the entire plot. Moses is roped into proving Hawthorne's innocence and unmasking the true culprits behind the scandalous conspiracy. What makes the case even more curious is that Eppis has been supposedly dead for years before the incident.

Bonnie Bedelia plays Moses’s ex-wife, Suzanne, with a nuanced performance that brings out the complexities of her relationship with Moses. Meanwhile, F. Murray Abraham in his role as the suspicious campaign manager and John Lithgow as a shrewd politician do justice to their respective characters, weaving an intricate web of conspiracy in the narrative.

As the narrative unfolds, Moses finds himself plunged into a world of political intrigue and nail-biting suspense. His journey is punctuated by instances of danger, moments of humor, and traces of romance, making the investigative trail much more than just a sequence of sleuthing. The clever use of campaign politics in this detective story ensures that The Big Fix remains an engaging watch from start to finish.

Director Jeremy Kagan displayed the radical spirit of the '60s intertwined with 70's skepticism with a tight script, flawless direction, and witty dialogues that lend a unique flavor to the film. It’s also a brilliant window into the cultural and political landscape of that era.

Dreyfuss, with his performance as Moses Wine, successfully brings out the contrast between his character's past as an idealistic radical and his present where he is disillusioned with the state of the world. In The Big Fix, he showcases his considerable range as an actor, with his character shadowed by a sense of disappointment with the way the world has changed. Dreyfuss’ performance is both sympathetic and humorous, making Moses not just a protagonist but the heart of the film.

On the technical front, the cinematography by Frank Stanley is well-done, capturing the vitality of the numerous set pieces scattered across the film. Bill Conti's music is fittingly punchy and keeps pace with the witty tone of the movie.

In conclusion, The Big Fix is an unconventional detective film that combines political intrigue with humorous elements, held together by a charismatic performance by Richard Dreyfuss. It’s a laid-back investigative narrative that aligns perfectly with the 70's atmosphere evoked in the movie, making it a must-watch for those who crave mystery and humor in equal parts. Not your typical 'whodunit," The Big Fix is more of a 'how's-he-going-to-solve-it,' and its conclusion is a lot more satisfying than the average film of the genre.