Review of O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) by Timothy S — 31 Mar 2012

Whether the Coen Brothers are making a serious film or a whimsical lark like "O Brother Where Art Thou?", they do it with the same wonderful sense of style that mark all of their pictures. They're not reinventing the wheel here, but this is an immensely likable comedy filled with terrific comic performances and the same sharp writing that we're used to from Joel and Ethan.

In fact, the ensemble acting is a large part of what makes this film such a delight. Tim Blake Nelson and Coen regular John Turturro gets their share of the laughs, but it's star George Clooney that really makes the movie. He's usually thought of as a more serious actor, but here he shows a real affinity for comedy. He has impeccable timing and seems game for anything. It's a real treat watching him here. And in just a few scenes, Holly Hunter is a joy as well recalling her starring role from "Raising Arizona".

The other big crowd-pleasing element of the film is the wonderful music, including the irresistible "Man of Constant Sorrow". It's great, but there's great music all throughout the picture. And there is also a number of whimsical, off-the-wall moments in this that only filmmakers as talented as the Coen brothers could pull off. They make their unique mark on every single scene here.

"O Brother Where Art Thou?" won't win any Oscars, but when you have writers and directors as talented as these guys, even their lesser efforts are something special. It may sound like a mess on paper, but on the big screen, it all comes together beautifully.