One complaint some have put upon the film is that the multitude of strong performances are often too brief, contributing to the sense that the film fades from memory once over. I'm inclined to respectfully disagree. It's that very brevity that lines up with the theme of filmmaking being many parts working in unison. Ultimately, both in structure and theme, the film is a mystery exploring the dynamics of the myriad relationships within filmmaking, as well as the way people navigate the more unsavory aspects. Ultimately, Mannix is the personification of "suffering for the art" as he navigates the peaks and valleys of the industry, as he does what he does for the sake of cinema.
Brolin's natural mixture of hardiness and warmth add weight to the moments Mannix struggles to make sure the titular film, HAIL CAESAR, gets made, while also balances his work life with his curiously wholesome home life (his remarkably empathetic wife is played by a fantastic Allison Pill). Added to this is a temptation via Boeing for a lucrative job that may ultimately prove unfulfilling for a man like Mannix, a man who takes time to stop in to see early cuts of the films in production at various points throughout the film. He loves movies. He loves filmmaking. For all it's good and bad, it's where his heart lies, and one could ass8ume this could ultimately be said of the Coens.
