Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988) User Reviews

Excellent But Frustrating Story

[ccthemovieman-1 · 8/10 · 20 January 2007]

Boy, what a frustrating film to watch....even though it is very good and has been a part of my collection for a number of years now. Still, it's hard to see the good guy, the little guy, beaten up by the big guys. Here's one story where Goliath beats David.

Anyway, this was an interesting supposedly- true-life story of how Preston Tucker got a raw deal form the Big Three car-makers of the day, and by the government after he built a much better automobile in 1948. The film details how the big boys made sure Tucker's company never sold any of those cars.

As mentioned, it's maddening to watch at times, to hear lies and false charges brought against a man who had the right ideas about car safety and engineering and was way ahead of his time.

The 1940s atmosphere in this film is very good and the old music is fun to hear, too. The cinematography is great, too, with some tinted vintage-type color at times. It looks wonderful on DVD.

The car is super to look at and admire. Jeff Bridges does a solid job of portraying Tucker, an upbeat, positive-thinking inventor. It also was refreshing to see a nice, supportive family, too. I enjoyed all the main actors in this film: Bridges, Joan Alen, Martin Landau, Frederic Forest, Elias Koteas and Christian Slater

underrated coppola

[billcr12 · 8/10 · 8 March 2012]

Jeff Bridges stars as Preston Tucker, a pioneer of automobile manufacturing in the 1940s. The Tucker Torpedo was well ahead of its time, with disc brakes, seat belts and fuel injection, all new innovations.

The big three auto makers plotted against Tucker, not thrilled with the new competition. A real life courtroom drama ensues with a David vs. Goliath like battle with crooked politicians, bad journalism and a man with a big dream. Coppola put his heart and soul into the making of Tucker, much like the subject did into his car. This film is a fine example of bringing to life a man with a dream who never gave up; very inspirational.

TUCKER--What a historical film should be.

[emm · 8/10 · 17 January 1999]

Impressive styling of the 1940s era and fine direction from Francis Coppola, whose middle name is Ford (ha!), makes TUCKER a historical tribute to the revolutionary, all-too-superior "car of tomorrow" that never was destined to bury the Big Three. It's not an entire biography of his life, but an account of triumphs and trials in his short-lived business. Jeff Bridges' character he portrays is a cheerful, mind-mannered guy who dreamed of making these autos since his childhood. There's plenty to like in this nostalgic trip, as this was made in a genuine vintage style. The opening best compares to a true classic sales promo, an indication of brilliant film work. Joe Jackson's cool 40s tunes he composed are extremely well made, although they get in the way sometimes. Drive on over to the video mart and check this selection out! Perhaps if we all had a Tucker....

Gutsy, smart, way ahead of the curve

[tmchesser · 25 September 2004]

It's been a while since I saw this movie, and I was already acquainted with they story when I realized they'd made a movie about it. The movie lives up to the reality.

No question, Preston Tucker was brilliant. When Uncle Sam requested designs for combat vehicles, he submitted, and demonstrated, a design which significantly blew away all competitors. He was turned down because his design significantly outperformed what Uncle Sam asked for. Small-minded individuals, mired in the relatively wimpy requirements, wouldn't take the more advanced design. It boggled his mind that they would turn down "steak with all the trimmings" in exchange for a "plain hamburger." I've been in the Military, so it doesn't surprise me.

When he wanted to make a point about safety, emphasizing the need for safety glass and seatbelts (which were NOT standard equipment at the time), he invited the appropriate people to lunch, served medium-rare roast beef, then showed pictures of people who'd died in car accidents. Lots of blood, lots of "raw meat." My driver's education teacher, trying to convince us to be safer drivers, did the same (minus the fancy lunch). Anyway, the similarities between what they saw on the screen, and what they'd just eaten, caused many of them to be "re-acquainted" with their lunch. I sincerely doubt they ever forgot the presentation, and his point was very well made.

I like this guy. He's whip-smart, practical, maybe a little too optimistic.

I identify with him.

And they broke him.

Welcome to reality. Bites, doesn't it?

In the end, he knows he's beaten, but he still gets the last word in. I hope I manage to do so well.

Not much but it's still good

[KnightsofNi11 · 7/10 · 26 October 2010]

Tucker: The Man and His Dream is a good spirited story of perseverance, loyalty, honor, and integrity from legendary director Francis Ford Coppola. Coppola's name is synonymous with landmark cinema that changed the face of the film industry forever with classics like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now. This movie is obviously not of that caliber, but it is an enjoyable experience nonetheless. In it, a thinner, younger, and clean shaven Jeff Bridges plays Preston Tucker, a likable businessman who had big ideas for the auto industry that would ultimately lead to bigger consequences. It's a true story about how one man tried to change the auto industry after World War II by creating the greatest car ever made. His financial support in the booming big government economy after WWII is an issue, but he perseveres through it all with the goal of achieving what others say is impossible. It's a happily inspiring tale, performed excellently by Mr. Bridges, one of my all time favorite actors.

Coppola shows in this movie that he can still be a fine director without the backing of a gangster or Vietnam war epic. He has a straightforward directing style for this straightforward film, but it doesn't fault a movie that mainly focuses on character and plot, rather than visual aesthetic. However, the film did get nominated at the Academy Awards for best Art Direction and Costume Design, and deservedly so. Tucker: The Man and His Dream is a period piece, and everything about the film stays true to its time frame. It is always interesting to see such a specific time period like the 1940's projected through an 80's lens, and Tucker: The Man and His Dream does a captivating job at this. The costumes are interesting and relevant, along with the set design and of course the cars. And it is all backed by a fantastic early 1900's jazz soundtrack.

The story itself stays mildly interesting the whole way through. It lags in some spots where not as much is happening, but it sets up for a great climax with a beautifully inspirational speech delivered by Bridges. The flow and pacing of the film has its noticeable issues and parts felt slightly choppy. The beginning of the film starts out with an infomercial/historical newsreel quirk that is very creative, but practically abandoned by the end of the film. Despite some minor flaws nothing significantly deteriorates the overall quality of the film.

Tucker: The Man and His Dream is a solid film that anyone can at least find mildly interesting, since it is based on a true story after all. Putting this film into today's perspective, it is still relevant and interesting what with all the auto industry crises going on today and how I'm sure we all wish we somebody as steadfast and innovative as Preston Tucker could pick the industry back up on its feet. I commend a film if it makes me think in terms of current events, so kudos to this film. I will say that as a Coppola film, it's nothing too special. I would obviously recommend the first two Godfathers and Apocalypse Now long before Tucker: The Man and His Dream. But as just another film, this movie is plenty enjoyable and interesting to watch.

An interesting look into some American automotive history.

[gitrich · 7/10 · 12 November 1998]

Preston Tucker was a man with a dream. He actually advertised his new car and even took advanced orders for it. But the truth is that there was never a chance that Tucker would ever be able to deliver on his promises. Jeff Bridges plays the would be automotive tycoon with an Oscar going to his co-star Martin Landau for his portrayal of "Abe" Tucker's business manager. You will enjoy seeing most all of the remaining Tuckers in this film. This is a good film and I recommend it.

Coppola proves he's still at the top of his game

[moonspinner55 · 7/10 · 19 March 2006]

Overlooked yet highly entertaining drama from director Francis Ford Coppola and producer George Lucas, an amusing and nostalgic look at real-life idea man Preston Tucker who, in 1945, developed the Car of Tomorrow and hoped to put Detroit's auto business out of commission. A smart, knowing take on the past, a nice comeback from Coppola but one that did little business. The film has gleaming photography, a jaunty pace and a great cast. Jeff Bridges, not the most subtle actor, gives one of his finest performances in the lead. Supporting cast is made up of pros (Martin Landau, Frederic Forrest, Dean Stockwell) and fresh new talent (circa 1988) such as Joan Allen and the incredible Elias Koteas. *** from ****

car talk

[lee_eisenberg · 7/10 · 8 November 2008]

More than simply the triumph of human spirit, Francis Ford Coppola's "Tucker: The Man and His Dream" specifically shows how Preston Tucker (Jeff Bridges) sought to challenge the dominance of the big automakers and they set out to destroy him. I had never heard of Preston Tucker before watching this movie, so it was fascinating to learn about his deeds. Bridges is great as the entrepreneur, with Joan Allen as his wife Vera.

I see that Coppola had weighed making this movie right after "The Godfather Part 2". While I do believe that he made the correct choice in making "Apocalypse Now" - which I consider his greatest movie - this certainly would have constituted a fine follow-up to the films about the Corleone family. Definitely worth seeing.

Also starring Martin Landau, Frederic Forrest, Mako, Christian Slater, Jay O. Sanders, Lloyd Bridges and Michael McShane (in his final role).

This is one not to be missed.

[rhoughton · 9/10 · 21 May 2001]

Thus is a superb movie. Firstly, the story line is just great. The true story of a man who fights against all the odds to realize his dream. Secondly, it's hard to imagine a better cast. They do an extraordinary job in bringing to life all the wonderful characters involved. Jeff Bridges is perfect as Tucker, and Landau is brilliant as the money man. But what really makes this work, is the way Tucker's undying spirit is brought out. He seems to lose the battle of making cars, but wins the ultimate battle of fulfilling himself and keeping his integrity. {"They're only machines, the idea's the important thing."] Over the years, I have collected many hundreds of movies, but this one has to be in the top ten. By the way, I just loved the music sound track. Very 40's.

Classic David vs Goliath story, but runs a bit rough

[Mr-Fusion · 6/10 · 20 May 2015]

My favorite scene in "Tucker: The Man and His Dream" comes in the last ten minutes: the the closing arguments from Preston Tucker about the tenets of free enterprise and the little guy vs. big business. It's an impassioned speech and really where Jeff Bridges gets to shine in the lead role.

Tucker's little guy taking on the Big 3 automakers is the heart of the story, and there's universal appeal in this. The film has a rose-colored glasses look on the past with its advertising style of telling this story (kudos to the art department on this), and its genial performances do suck you in. My problem was in the overall execution. This thing runs with a shuddering transmission; go-stop, go-stop. The characters' cheer whenever things go right is palpable, but there's tragedy lurking at every corner. It just doesn't stop. And the big reveal scene is dragged out to torturous ends - which is fine if that's what really happened, but it runs counter to the rest of the movie's slick polish.

And things felt overwrought by the time we get to the courtroom drama, which is why that speech was such a breath of fresh air. I was hoping for that feeling from the rest of the movie.

6/10

Interesting story of a man who believed in the American Dream

[aefrench · 8/10 · 1 May 2010]

This is a well crafted film about the saga of Preston Tucker, an energetic entrepreneur who had the goal of creating a radical new automobile, the Tucker Torpedo, which drew the ire of Detroit's Big Three. Possessing a remarkable drive to achieve his dream, Tucker met every problem head on and stopped at nothing to see the Torpedo come to fruition.

Jeff Bridges gives a remarkable performance as Preston Tucker. He also shares some screen time with his father Lloyd, who plays a crooked politician out to derail Tucker's ambitions. The film also has a great score by Joe Jackson. Fans of classic films will enjoy the narration throughout "Tucker." It is as if you are watching a newsreel at a movie theater in the 1940s. Speaking of that, for those who have seen movie trailers from the 50s on back: You know how there were words splashed on the screen describing those films? You get that here as well, and it really adds to the nostalgia of the picture.

Francis Ford Coppola did a good job directing this story of a man who believed in, and is the epitome of, the American Dream. Watch this movie and prepare to be wowed by Preston Tucker.

A story on how the big names snuff out people with great ideas

[Seraphion · 7/10 · 2 August 2014]

The story was a great one about how a revolutionizing idea will live on even after the inventor is thrown aside. Yet the story mainly focus on how the big names in industries will only think of their own gains and advantages to reap from the market by keeping their own outdated innovations and not letting the people to get the best that ideas can offer. The acting is a decent overall. Jeff Bridges gets into character nicely in he managed to maintain Tucker's almost persistent smile yet he can give out the heated anger scenes the live they need. It's nice too see Elias Koteas and Christian Slater adding the right tone here. Joan Allen has also did a good job in completing the spouses and family scenes well.

I never really caught the vision of this biopic

[cricketbat · 5/10 · 10 November 2022]

Much like many of the characters in this movie, I never really caught the vision of Tucker: The Man and His Dream. I know Francis Ford Coppola is a big fan of Preston Tucker and his car, which is why he made this passion project, but this film didn't really make me care about his story. I just felt apathetic while watching it, despite all the wide-eyed enthusiasm Jeff Bridges brings to the table. And the rest of the cast just seemed to be along for the ride as the plot zoomed from scene to scene. I wonder if the reason this film got such critical acclaim is primarily because Coppola was involved.

Nice movie, a pity about the facts

[penseur · 25 February 2004]

Those into 1940s period atmosphere and those interested in classic cars should like this. There's plenty of nice clothes, colors, swing music and of course cars. Jeff Bridge's portrayal of Tucker is charming even if it doesn't quite ring true. And maybe Vera Tucker was as sexy as Joan Allen. The problem is that the real story is a bit different from this typically Hollywood camped up version. Tucker was ambitious and daring but took on more than he could succeed with for technical and practical reasons in the time period that he set himself. The SEC took him and five associates to court because his cars didn't have all the technical features that he had promised investors in his prospectus they would. That stymied his ability to raise the money he needed to produce the 300,000 cars he had orders for. It was not a case of the "big three" motor companies acting to crush him - in fact Ford gave him steering wheels for the Lincoln Zephyr as a gesture of help. The legacy is those attractive 51 cars that were produced which are today very highly valued.

underdog American entrepreneur story

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 28 August 2016]

Preston Tucker (Jeff Bridges) is an engineer designer in Detroit. During WWII, he designed a fast armored car which was rejected but he does earn a small fortune producing his aircraft gun turrets. With his wife Vera (Joan Allen), son Preston Jr (Christian Slater), and others, he decides to build his revolutionary car of the future but he faces savage backlash from the big three Detroit carmakers and government officials as well as a backstabbing board.

Director Francis Ford Coppola is all about ingenuity and the underdog. Despite its ending, the movie is upbeat and old fashion in its feel good sensibility. It's a lesser known entrepreneur but it is very much a heroic American story. This movie could have been done by Frank Capra. This is for car fans and anyone rooting for the dreamer.

Solid

[Cosmoeticadotcom · 6/10 · 1 February 2013]

Tucker: The Man And His Dream is a good solid film, but, as Coppola himself seems to realize (in his commentary), it's nothing special. Its stylized realism is appealing, but ultimately an empty appeal to nothing of substance. That's too bad, because throughout the film I was thinking that there is gold to be mined in the old adage that not all who think that others are out to get them are crazy. Trust me, I know. But this theme is not really even touched on in the film, and only glancingly so in the commentary by Coppola, when the filmmaker muses that newer Internet technology likely makes it easier to succeed against the powers that be (no quite so, Francis!). Nonetheless, the cumulative positives slightly outweigh the negatives, and even if they did not, the film's historical focus deserves viewing. Just, keep expectations in line (unlike Tucker) and you will likely find something of benefit, whether or not Coppola intended it or not.

Scrapheap Challenge

[paul2001sw-1 · 6/10 · 20 January 2005]

The story of Preston Tucker, failed car manufacturer, as told in Francis Coppola's biopic, has a feel of a fable such as David Mamet's 'The Water Engine', an archetypal story of the little man with a dream, crushed by the system. It's therefore surprising to learn that, in essence, the story is true, and Jeff Bridges' portrayal of Tucker as a character of almost wild enthusiasm is also close to the mark. But even if it's it true, it still doesn't convince. Bridges plays Tucker as a man of nothing but enthusiasm, and it's hard to believe that anyone could have taken such a person seriously; or indeed, that such a person could ever have run a large business successfully, however great his judgement and ambition. He's also just too bouncy for us to really feel his pain as life turns against him, and there's an annoying depiction of his perfect family to boot in the classic Hollywoood manner. Above all else the film is a reassertion of the values of the American dream, and while it's amusing to see how Tucker assembled his first car in the manner of a competitor on 'Scrapheap Challenge', the point is that in 99 out of 100 cases, a dreamer wouldn't make it nearly as far as Tucker; in the real world, dreaming alone is rarely enough. Without this context, the film loses it's point and bite: but it's nice to see 50 reconstructions of Tucker's futuristic creation, circling the block at the end at the film.

Perfectly captures post-WW2 sentiment

[RoseNylan · 9/10 · 13 October 2009]

This is one of the best films that take place during that key period just after the conclusion of World War 2. It was a period of unbridled optimism about the future of the United States and a time where almost anything seemed possible.

The film tells the true story about Preston Tucker(played by Jeff Bridges) and his attempt to create the perfect car for the future, the "Tucker". This car would have everything in it from a rear engine to fuel injection. However, as he gets started building the cars, he realizes that his goal may have been an unrealistic dream as the big three automakers use their power and political influence to try and block him from creating something that would compete with them. The Tucker character is one you cant help but cheer for as he never gives up on his dream.

The 1940's feeling of the film is perfectly captured by a zippy score by Joe Jackson and Joan Allen perfectly plays Tucker's supportive wife who stands by him every step of the way.

This is a terrific film about a man who never gives up.

Who Told You to Dream Big?

[view_and_review · 7/10 · 28 September 2019]

All Preston Tucker wanted to do was build an amazing car: one with a rear engine, fuel injection, headlights that follow the steering wheel, a windshield that pops out, and a seat belt. That may all sound pretty simple now, but at one point in time that was revolutionary.

Unfortunately, you can't just build a car. I mean you could but if you're building a better car for the people you need financial backing and plenty of it. Once you start getting bankrolled with millions of dollars, well now you're on the radar.

Tucker was a big dreamer. He wasn't an engineer, an inventor, or even a savvy businessman; he was a man with big ideas, a clear vision, and an ability to make others believe in his vision. He could've used his skills to be a great conman, but he wasn't. He was a man with an honest desire to build something great even if he didn't know the best way to achieve it.

In many ways this movie is sad. Tucker was a man trying to attain the American dream, the dream that capitalism allows Americans to have and he was being crushed by big businesses and politicians. I guess that part of the American dream was omitted.

One thing they were never able to take from Tucker was his effusive optimism. Rare were the moments in the movie where he was anything but upbeat and optimistic. Even when he was being squeezed and things weren't going his way he found a way to be cheerful.

We don't drive Tucker cars today but it's not for a lack of trying. This movie could inspire as well as tamper aspirations. Maybe this country has grown in the last 70+ years or maybe not. We only need another Tucker to come along for us to find out.

Winner takes all

[Prismark10 · 9/10 · 5 September 2013]

Francis Coppola had ambitions to take on the major studios and failed.

His experience lead him to make the film of Preston Tucker who wanted to make better and safer cars after World War 2 and failed as the big boys of the motor industry flexed their muscles and crushed the little guy with big ideas.

The film was a hit with the critics but failed to gain much headway with the public. It is beautifully filmed like a homage to those Preston Sturges films and the colourful Douglas Sirk films.

It has a wonderful zippy script and a mesmerising performance from Jeff Bridges who should had got an Oscar nomination.

Bridges brings a lot of pizzazz to a guy with big ideas and a big drive. He is ably supported by Martin Landau, Joan Allen, Frederic Forrest and even his own father, Lloyd Bridges turns up as a sinister politician.

It is heartbreaking to see such dream and ambitions crushed by government and big industry and it's a theme revisited by Martin Scorsese when he later made The Aviator, the biopic about Howard Hughes, a character who also features in this film.

This is surely one of Coppola's most underrated film's and one of Bridges best performances.

Preston's Dream.

[AaronCapenBanner · 7/10 · 29 September 2013]

Francis Ford Coppola directed this entertaining biography of Preston Tucker ,(played with enthusiasm by Jeff Bridges), an ambitious inventor who, after WWII ends, devises a new kind of automobile with innovative features like seat belts(!). With help from his family, and his friend Abe(played nicely by Martin Landau) he gets the funding to build 50 cars after he leases a disused government factory. Things go wrong when the "Big 3" automakers get wind of this, and decide that they don't want the competition, get their lobbyists out to destroy him, led by a sinister senator(played by Jeff's father Lloyd Bridges). Tucker is finally brought to trial for fraud, and must plead his case personally, despite the government turning on him...

Stylish and entertaining film features fine performances by all, and a poignant yet inspiring story of one determined man's efforts to improve the automobile industry, yet being stymied the whole way. Memorable speech by Tucker at the end will seem quite prescient in later years.

A Marvelous Film

[bcorig-1 · 8/10 · 12 September 2007]

With just enough realism and surrealism, Coppola plays this documentary the way a documentary should be played - an individual with a vision and his attempt to push the limits of the envelope in post-WWII industrial America. The period costumes and music are excellent and accurate, the bittersweet punchline at the end is well done and just understated enough. The camera work is vivid in brilliant Technicolor as opposed to the black and white sometimes reserved for this time period. Frederic Forrest, Christian Slater and Joan Allen are all adequate and the gentle acting of Martin Landau complements Bridges frenzied portrayal. But the focus is always Jeff Bridges who carries Tucker's manic, obsessive, genius with amazing ease. Definitely one of my favorites.

Ambitious Entrepreneur vs. the System

[wavecat13 · 6/10 · 4 June 2019]

Here is a F.F. Coppola film that did not do well at the box office, but is worth a look. It is a well-made, period movie (1940s) that takes a look at a classic American type - the upbeat, ambitious, innovative entrepreneur. Bridges is fine in the lead role, playing an engineer who wants to take on the big Detroit automobile manufacturers with a new and improved sedan. But the story grows quite a bit darker. The big 3 car companies, along with their political allies (especially Sen. Ferguson, played by Bridges' dad Lloyd) want to destroy Tucker, so they set about prosecuting him for financial fraud. Dean Goodman is fine as the smarmy executive who undermines the Tucker business from within. At one point Tucker tells his finance guy Karatz, "Isn't that the point? To build a better mousetrap?" "No," says Karatz. "It is catching the mouse."

The film sides with the enthusiastic Tucker and his team, portraying them as heroic Davids up against an evil Goliath. It is fun to see the Tucker sedan being built and driven around. However, the story fails to address one glaring issue - if Tucker was the automotive genius he is portrayed as, then why didn't the big companies buy him out? Isn't that what usually happens with successful new businesses? Instead Tucker's failure is spun as a moral victory.

Hold that tiger!

[mls4182 · 4/10 · 21 January 2023]

How precious is this film gonna get. He's quirky, genius, unflappable, the perfect boss, the perfect husband, the perfect underdog! He could have saved the world if not for the establishment. Yeah, right.

I guess Coppola thought it was still 1968 when he made this. This film is a bit too one side and sugarcoated. Tucker wasn't the perfect engineer, the perfect businessman or even the perfect citizen.

The film does have one sadly ironic line though. "If our system crushes the little guy, the true innovator, some day we are going to be outsold by our competitors, the people we just defeated in the war."

Well, at least the film does make a point and provide a warning - too late.