O Brother Where Art Thou? (2000)
Released: February 2nd, 2001
Genre: Comedy, Adventure
Director: The Coen Brothers
Writers: Homer, The Coen Brothers
Cast: George Clooney, John Turturro, Holly Hunter, John Goodman
Opening Thoughts:
I enjoy the Coen Brothers’ work and adding “The Oydessy” to the equation only made me like it more.
Plot:
Three escaped convicts search for hidden treasure in the deep south (USA) while a relentless officer pursues them.
Dislikes:
Every film has a flow and it is very hard to put together something from start to finish that flows perfectly. This film does it very well, but there are a few moments when the pacing slows to a crawl and the flow is uneven.
Likes:
Once again, the Coen brothers create an immersive world of the Deep South in the 1930s mixed with a hint of whimsy and wonder that parallels many sequences within The Odyssey. They have a no stone unturned approach to filmmaking which means that their films look, sound, and act in a special way fitting of what they aimed for. Their films feel like a unique experience rather than a pre-packaged endlessly recycled material. They do use something old, but put a spin on it to make it feel fresh and that is an important aspect of filmmaking.
What stands out in the film is the chemistry of the actors. of course, Turturro and Clooney shine brightly and we must give credit to John Goodman in a supporting role. Once again he is incredible.
The film has a dry sense of humor that is made stronger through the character dynamics expressed throughout the film. We have characters that aren’t exactly good or evil but roam somewhere in between. We see their weaknesses and strengths exposed for the audience to see and feel. The film has enjoyable characters and misadventures that keep you engaged from start to finish.
Conclusion
As a person who appreciates ancient literature and movies, this film is the perfect combination of the two. A semi-modern example of the works of Homer. It looks and feels unique and brings the works of Home back into the modern conversation and that is much appreciated.
The Coen Brothers Ladder
Raising Arizona (1987) https://andrewthemovieguy714.wordpress.com/2024/02/14/new-classics-raising-arizona-1987/
O Brother Where Art Thou? (2000)
The Big Lebowski (1998) https://andrewthemovieguy714.wordpress.com/2024/04/10/new-classics-the-big-lebowski-1998/
Fargo (1996) https://andrewthemovieguy714.wordpress.com/2024/04/06/new-classics-fargo-1996/
Barton Fink (1991) https://andrewthemovieguy714.wordpress.com/2024/02/17/new-classics-barton-fink-1991/
Miller’s Crossing (1990) https://andrewthemovieguy714.wordpress.com/2024/02/10/new-classics-millers-crossing-1990/
Blood Simple (1984) https://andrewthemovieguy714.wordpress.com/2023/11/21/new-classics-blood-simple-1984/
The Hudsucker Proxy (1994) https://andrewthemovieguy714.wordpress.com/2024/02/21/coen-brothers-origins-the-hudsucker-proxy-1994/
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