Breathing off the scant oxygen that Scottish and crass jokes can offer, until its tank runs out, The Big Tease makes the absolute most of its 86 minute life-span. Had the film not been cautiously cut off, and instead joined the notorious ranks of several films, I would not be willing to call it the funniest movie of the all-time.
The finest and most respected hairdresser in Glasgow, Scotland, is Crawford Mackenzie (Craig Ferguson). A documentary crew decides to follow him when a much-deserved invitation arrives to go to America and compete in the World Freestyle Hairdressing Championship. Crawford runs into problem after problem upon arrival, 12 minutes into the film, not the least of which is that he was not actually invited to compete and was instead offered a seat between Daniel Day-Lewis and Carrot Top in the audience.
In his quest for the Platinum Scissors and to honourably represent all of Scotland, as Crawford's ego deftly guides him, he stumbles through obstacle after obstacle. The most humorous moment comes when, just an example of the many odd and hysterical situations he encounters, he needs a job to get his HAG (Hairdressers of America Guild) card and finds himself preparing animal costumes at a theme park. A near-textbook mockumentary is The Big Tease. The constant spoofing of major competitions and the hairdressing industry can be credited with much of the film's humour.
The Big Tease captures and lampoons Hollywood's essence perfectly; a cab driver carries headshots around, you need an appointment to get anywhere, and the elite knows they're elite. But don't be mistaken, this isn't a movie about Hollywood. Although the mammoth Warner Bros. distributes the image, it more closely resembles independent products such as The Full Monty and The Castle than studio pieces. The Big Tease was a surprise, but don't expect a hair-splitting drama or jokes that are overly flaky.
