Review of O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) by Alvin Y — 22 Feb 2011
A great fun period comedy, with a thin, meandering plot following three none too bright escaped convicts seeking 1.2 million dollars of buried treasure during the Great Depression. Like Lebowski, the plot is just an excuse to throw our lads at an array of odd characters and into tight spots.
There's a lot of familiar faces, and Clooney and Blake-Nelson prove worthy new Coen faces and hairstyles. The first two thirds of the film zip by at fast pace, with some of my favourite comic scenes of all their films, my favourite being the post-Siren transformation of Pete into a "horny toad".
The last third drags a bit once it is discovered that there is no treasure, simply Everett's attempt to reclaim pater familias status. Deakins' luscious cinematography is a real highlight, as is T Bone Burnetts' collection of Southern songs.
Claims of being an interpretation of "The Odyssey" should be taken with a pinch of salt... make that a mountain of it.
This review of O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) was written by Alvin Y on 22 Feb 2011.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? has generally received very positive reviews.
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