Review of The Man Who Wasn't There (2001) by Jonathan B — 18 Jun 2012

"The Man Who Wasn't There" is a minor film in Coen's filmography. Here you won't find the laugh-out-loud craziness of "The Big Lebowski", nor the atmosphere of "Miller's Crossing" or "Barton Fink".

There is a feeling of urgency in their approach and potential in their interesting script (plus, Polito and Shalhoub are great), but nothing big really happens. As you watch this, you can imagine the Coens trying really hard to do something great, but what comes out is strictly for Coen enthusiasts.