Review of The Ladykillers (2004) by Grant K — 24 Dec 2012

The Ladykillers has fallen victim to the simple and impatient minds of the masses. The Coen brothers have created a stunning film that portrays the constant struggle between Good and Evil. The setting, along with the soundtrack, instills the heritage and antiquity of the Old South?, while the characters come from all walks of life and different parts of the globe. The criminals are purposely characterized to a cliche: the inside man, the demolition expert, the retired soldier, the brawns, and the brains. This review will cover the setting, characters, music, and philosophy of this charming, charming film.

This chronicle takes place in a small, quiet Mississippi town adjacent to the Mississippi River. The year seems to be of the present, yet the plot is one of yore. The quaint homes that line the craggy streets are worn and weary, but their exterior of columns, wrap-around porches, lofty trees, and bountiful gardens reminisce another time, one long forgotten. A steamboat can be seen and heard while the protagonist returns home, the clothing worn by the majority of characters are not of the time, and of course, the eloquent, sinister, Southern Gentleman, Goldthwait Higginson Dorr.

Professor Dorr, the antagonist, is the epitome of the Southern Gentleman, a title that has not been held for more than a century. This proves that the time period is not significant, and perhaps Professor Dorr is out of his mind and his true self has been consumed by the con-man. He makes many an allusion to the writings of Edgar Allan Poe throughout the film, another example of the darkness within his soul. A curious observation I made is that Professor Dorr doesnâ(TM)t seem to have a money problem since he was able to pay for the gospel concert and car service for Mrs. Munson and friend. Could he actually be well off and only interested in this venture for the thrill of the perfect crime? That is the concrete character, but what of the abstract? This film is inlaid with gospel music, Bible quotes, and church, thus the notion of Professor Dorr representing Old Scratch, or the Devil is most likely the case. His silver tongue, persuasive methods, poetic recitals, and intricate schemes are battered away by the incorruptible Mrs. Munson.

Mrs. Munson, the protagonist, is a fiery, religious, aged widow who takes the gospel to heart, even though she may not understand it, and has a no-nonsense attitude. She represents the elderly, religious woman that we all knew growing up or even know as adult; however, this will seem more familiar by those from the country, especially the southern region of the United States. Mrs. Munson sees right through the sinister fabrications that Professor Dorr creates in order to ensnare her in his dazzling conversation.

The Ladykillers possesses a depth which very few will discover by themselves. The introductory scene begins with the head of a gargoyle, which incidentally will appear again towards the conclusion of the film, a bridge, a boat towing trash, and a small island in the river overflowing with the garbage brought by the boat. All of these are highly symbolic, and is the skeletal system which supports the hidden finesse of the true conflict; the struggle between life and death. The bridge is the crossing into an afterlife, yet it isn't at the same time. The bridge's end cannot be seen, this symbolizes man's lack of knowledge on what lies beyond the living. It can be seen multiple times during the film in the background, this reminds the viewer that death is always present. The river separates two bodies of land, the land of the living, and the latter of death. Garbage Island, which the spirited preacher mentions as a place of sin and evil, represents a sort of Hell. When the criminals begin dying off, their bodies are dumped into the trash boat, thus carrying them away to the island. A very remarkable character overlooked is Mrs.Munson's pet cat, Pickles. Cats have been looked upon as supernatural creatures throughout history in literature, culture, movies, etc. When Professor Dorr darkened the doorstep?, Pickles arched his back in distress, a sign which whomever or whatever arrived was something not of this world, which relates back to the supernatural aspect. Pickles is present when the bodies are dumped over the bridge, right before the premature detonation , and eventually drops the finger of Mr. Pancake into the trash boat. I believe that Pickles represents a sort of grim reaper, the figure of disaster, and in a general sense, the concrete death, unlike the bridge representing a spiritual passing.

The Ladykillers is one of my favorite masterpieces. The only explanation for the low ratings is that the people do not understand the striking mastery of culture, music, and history entwined within the plot. The actors were flawless. Tom Hanks Professor Dorr with his uncontrollable fits and elegant mannerisms, Irma P. Hall Mrs. Munson with her sanctimonious poise and unfaltering duty to purge all things evil, and the excellent band of criminals all attempting to whack Mrs. Munson and obtain the casino's treasure.