Eddie Murphy may have been a name on “Saturday Night Live” but he wasn’t a film star. Luckily, when John Landis wanted to cast him as Billy Ray Valentine in Trading Places, Murphy had just appeared in 48 Hrs., proving he had the charisma for the big screen. Without that success, Paramount Pictures was unconvinced. But it worked out and young Murphy became box office gold. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off 2017 with a series celebrating several of Murphy’s 80s classic starting with Landis’ 1983 film Trading Places.
We talk about how we find the film hilarious but quite astute with its portrayal of the commodities market and how the story is equally relevant today as it was upon its release. We discuss some of the elements with which we struggle. We look at the comedy stylings Landis brought to the film, pulling from Laurel & Hardy, Preston Sturges, Mark Twain, even the Three Stooges. We look at the actors – including Dan Aykroyd, Murphy, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Jamie Lee Curtis, Denholm Elliott and Paul Gleason – and what they bring to the table. And we revel in the wonderful score Elmer Bernstein adds to the film, bringing doses of Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” into the folds.
It’s a really fun film and a great way to celebrate both Christmas and New Year’s. We have a great time discussing it so check the movie out then tune in to the show!
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Script Transcript
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
