Review of O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) by Allen G — 23 Feb 2014

The Coen brothers like to be trendy and I don't blame people for hating them just for that (cause I'm a bad person). I, however, feel that there's often more to their films than just an image; made up from a showbiz cast, a good soundtrack, and a story gimmick of some sort. I think that there's sometimes a charm in there too that gives some substance to go with the style and , for me, that's what takes one of their films from something that I don't care about, to something that I do. It's been a mixed bag overall but- I sure as hell care about this one.

This is my favourite Coen brother's movie which is somewhat ironic considering it's probably the one most associated with trying to be hip- its got the image (the first film to be colour-enhanced in the way that it was), the setting (Old Timey Mississippi),.

The showbiz (Clooney, of course), the soundtrack (IT'S FANTASTIC) and the gimmick. (Homer's Odyssey, but really not. Like, really not...) None of these things have to be bad though- I like them all in this case, but it doesn't change the fact that this is the one that you'll likely think of when you're asked to name a Coen brother's film that lacks depth but succeeds due to the other elements anyway.

Indeed, it does lack depth- the characters are simplistic, some scenes feel tacked on and there for cheap laughs (which this film has a lot of), and its humour is simple- often leaving this one to be seen as a 'teen movie' with ridiculous tags like that found all over the place in reference to this film.

However, I see these issues as minor, even beneficial in some cases, as we're talking about a comedy here and the lack of sophistication in certain areas plays right into that. I do disagree altogether with the claim that this is a film solely worth merit based on how you respond to its attempts at comedy. I find the film funny, and I'm certainly no fan of so-called 'teen movies' so let's put that claim to rest, but the humour is simplistic- a running gag is Clooney's character using the catchphrase "we're in a tight spot now" repeatedly... that's it. I enjoy such things (this is actually my favourite of Clooney's films) but I'm sure that others sure as hell will not.

I think there's more to the film that its comedy though and that's why I take issue with some of the criticisms that have been aimed at it- indeed, the film lacks depth but it doesn't lack emotion. It does a fantastic job at using music to create atmosphere, which is nothing new of course, but to hear outstanding blues tracks like 'Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues' along with plenty of great folk pieces (even the very dark 'O death') glued into a slapstick comedy film is a brilliant experience- this film deserves the reputation that it has with regards to its soundtrack.

The music furthers the feel of the film too, as does its striking visuals- while it never takes itself seriously, it deals with serious themes in as un-serious a form as it can- leaving the music and setting to add the emotion while the film keeps us happy and interested.

It surely is interesting too- it's a great example of a madcap story that's full of adventure and unpredictable and unexpected events with lots of fascinating and engaging characters along the way. These characters may not be well-developed but they're all well-introduced and the execution is great too with the likes of John Goodman and Holly Hunter involved.

The performances are strong all round and the accents work too- despite how ridiculous the film is, it feels genuine, not just in its attempts at humour, but also in the; arguably more important, ideas of capturing the setting and telling the story. To anyone who isn't out to hate it from the start, this film doesn't feel empty and is clearly a labour of love.

For me, this is most comparable with 'Raising Arizona'- another quirky, interesting, and exciting work by the Coen brothers but this one feels more comfortable- there's a confidence in how it tells its story and puts itself forward and I think that's what has made it so successful. A film like this shouldn't be as cool as it is, or as mainstream and successful- it's as simple as that, but it's so superbly-executed and clearly cared for that it managed to become a real piece of pop culture and I think its perfect blend of comedy with its minor touches of emotion, is what led to that happening and it's well-deserved.