I don't know why, but every time I watch this film I just feel like the Coens missed the mark with their cast members, and I actually like Tim, Jennifer and Paul Newman as actors. Their performances have spirit and are colorful, but they just feel too forced and cartoonish for their own good, somewhat similar to how Tom Hanks and his costars pulled-off their roles in The Lady Killers.
(¯`i´¯)´·¸.)‹^›
It´s not the actor´s fault if they come off as "cartoonish" so there´s nothing wrong with casting; Robbins, Leigh and Newman have been perfectly capable of naturalistic performances if required. And I find the film ´appropriately´ cartoonish. Entertaining as sh-t plus gorgeous to look at - the production design is simply astonishing.
"facts are stupid things" - Ronald Reagan
I agree with franzkabuki. The actors are doing what they're supposed to. This is a hyperreal (and sometimes surreal) critique of capitalism and if you don't like the overall tone, well, you'll either have to blame the directors for that or else steer clear of hyperrealism in general.
This film is definitely not to everyone's taste. I do appreciate that.
Then I guess it's the hyperrealism that didn't affect me as it does with others, and believe me I love hyperrealism, and the Coens are IMO one of the few filmmakers who can create that kind of cinematic world. It's just that with this film it felt forced instead of a natural other-worldliness.
On all other counts though, the movie is indeed great to look at and the set design makes you wish you could be an "extra" transported to such a place.
(¯`i´¯)´·¸.)‹^›