As a veteran film fan, I can assert that Wichita, Kansas is an acronym for "nowhere". In this nondescript environment enter three archetypes, the cynical Larry (Kevin Spacey), the religious and bible quoting rookie Bob (Peter Facinelli) and most importantly the reflective Phil (Danny De Vito). He is depressed, confused, less hungry for the deal and unlike Larry and Bob, he has nothing to sell. The Spacey character's most primal objective is to find the "Grand Kahuna", the big wallet who's going to make this trip worthwhile. For Spacey, who could not be uninteresting if you had a gun to his head, this performance is a particular standout. Not only is Larry more relaxed and human then most of the diabolical intellectuals he usually plays, but this time he laces his sardonic comments with a superficial ease that could only be attained when someone is making a pitch. As for Bob, his quotation of scripture, and bland reflective demeanor are also a pitch. He wants to sell them on his idea of "goodness". For the time being Larry seems to be winning the battle of words with his slick one liners. But give the kid time, he will learn and he will sell.
Crucial to the film's power is Phil. Lacking the pedagoguery that justifies the other two's existence, he is depressed. Even suicidal. An intelligent being can not live without a philosophy, religious or otherwise. He has lived long enough, or just lived enough to know that the philosophy he used to ascribe to, the philosophy Larry still ascribes to is flawed. He is intelligent enough to know that if he chooses Bob's way of life, then it too will reveal flaws. We all need something to believe in and keep in mind that atheism, rejection and pacifism are also beliefs. De Vito has this wonderful scene, the best acted scenes so far this year, where he recalls a dream he once had about God. I will not describe the scene here, but you will know it when you see it.
Some will find the prospect of a film set mostly in one room unappealing. But if anything, The Big Kahuna proves that with superior writing, great performances you don't need the scenery. Indeed, in comparison most films seem hide behind their scenery, their special effects and their nudity to obscure their emptiness. To put it bluntly, the film not only has an unexpected emotional punch but is also entertaining as "hell".
The film's most revealing scene contrasts religion and common sense. What is to "love" and what it is to just "like". Phil asks Larry "Do you love me?". Larry responds "If you mean `would I die for you, would I jump out the window if you asked' then no. I don't." Had Larry made their affection and friendship a religion, he probably would have jumped. It's up to you to decide whether that is a good thing.
I sensed a pervasively anti-Capitalist theme throughout the pursuit of "The Big Kahuna." Was it merely my imagination, or did Roger Rueff desire to portray the younger Bob as more virtuous and idealistic than either Larry (Spacey) or Phil (DeVito)? The latter are supposedly hard bitten, somewhat cynical, and overly devoted to closing the big sales to the point of ignoring the larger concerns of life. Yet, I perceived both Larry and Phil as essentially decent men who took good care of their customers. I also know from first hand experience that neither a sales person or their company survives in the long run if the customer's requirements are not met. The younger Bob was actually the unethical one who had no problem cashing his employer's paycheck while focussing primarily upon the mysteries of the universe. Bob should be doing such navel gazing on his own time. Was the audience suppose to conclude that manufacturing lubricants are not of real value to the world? How would one feel, for instance, if a surgeon opted to discussing religion or philosophy instead of operating on his seriously injured patient? "The Big Kahuna's" company may have desperately needed this lubricant. Both Mr. Fuller and Bob were outrageously selfish in placing a higher priority on discussing the ultimate mysteries of life over their immediate responsibilities to their respective business organizations. I would be furious, if I worked for Mr. Fuller, at the flagrant disregard of his obligations towards the company.
The reader should not mistake my reservations concerning the message Roger Rueff perhaps wanted to convey as a belittlement of the movie. I truly admire Rueff's work. Furthermore, It is not at all unusual for members of the audience to interpret the story differently than the author may have intended. "The Big Kahuna" is a must see movie for all those earning a living. The vast majority of us are confronted everyday with the dilemma of where to draw the line between the professional and personal aspects of our existence. This near masterpiece assist us in addressing these unavoidable issues.
