Review of A Serious Man (2009) by Joseph W — 22 Aug 2011

This is one of the most depressing movies I have ever scene. That of course does not bring this movie down in any way. This is not a movie for the casual movie goer. This movie is perfect for Coen fans, as I am.

There are several reasons why I say this. The biggest compliant I noticed people point out is it's slow. I do not deny that, this movie is indeed slow. However, what I think works about that is the amount of subtlety in most of the scenes.

When I talk about this movie with people, they say they didn't know this was a black comedy. The reason why I think that is is because of the calm nature of the movie.just the things that happen to the characters is so bad and upsetting that it becomes comical to a point.

This movie isn't trying to be hardcore melodrama. However I didn't catch on to the subtle nature of the film until the end so I didn't get everything the first time I watched it. Even the first time I watched it though I still didn't get bored.

Maybe it's because the atmosphere of the movie is nothing like I've seen before but this movie kept me entertained from beginning to end. People will disagree but I really enjoy this film. Not the Coens' best but still a good film.