Review of Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) by Emkadv — 07 Feb 2014

I loved the music, and the performances were strong, but I was disappointed in the film overall. I didn't find any of the characters sympathetic. LLewyn (Oscar Isaac) is selfish and doesn't seem to care for other people. His sometime lover, Jean (Carey Mulligan) is a shrew. John Goodman does a fine performance as the jazz musician, Roland, but as a despicable character.

I thought the film might show some of Llewyn's humanity when he saw the exit for Akron. He could have taken the exit and met the young son he had recently learned he had. But he bypasses the exit, for no apparent reason. LLewyn just does not connect with other people -- or this viewer.

I really wanted to love this film, but it is not up to the Coen brothers' standards.