The Cohen brothers time and time again have managed to both make high caliber films as the classic Fargo (1996), The Big Lebowski (1999), and my personal Favorite: No Country For Old Men (2007). They have also managed to make films that are less than impressive with films like The Ladykillers (2004) and the "intolerable" Intolerable Cruelty (2003). But with this film, by the finale of the picture; I didn't know how to feel about it. I knew that I liked it, but I couldn't tell how much I liked it.
Before I go any further: This Film is VERY JEWISH! The basic premise of the film is about a Jewish father and husband, who is watching as his life goes down the drain. His marriage is falling apart, his relationship with his kids is questionable, and his brother won't stop loafing around the house. While the premise of the film is not something that is different, the structure of the film is very unique. The questions about what kind of film this is going to be is set up with a great opening sequence. This opening sequence establishes the vibe that film is going to be; which is a black comedy. While doing that is fine, I am guessing that some people aren't going to get that at first. The black comedy in this film is taken to a realm of little color. The story is so dark and deep to an extent that you can't help, but feel so very bad for the lead character. You just sit there for the runtime and watch how this man's life is truly going down the toilet. That is the whole point to this film. Without giving off too many spoilers, the whole arc of watching this man's life fall apart is paid off with a deep, heartwarming, and mature concept that you forgive the pain you underwent watching this film. That isn't to say the film is bad by any stretch. The story reaches a point that is heartbreaking and painful to watch, then it provides that little ray of hope for these characters that makes the experience payoff. The script in this film is excellent! The Cohens harken to the dry humor that they are well known for. It's dry humor, but you almost have to work hard to see past the grimness and the heartbreak of what the Larry character is going through, but there are some laughs to be had this film. It is structured well, but this is definitely another film in which the Cohens have definitely broken the rules of cinema 101.
The acting of the film is....well can you say apart from "It's the Cohen Brothers movie!" This acting on this film is great! Everyone has their moments! Fred Melamed as Sy Ableman definitely has a great and humorous part in this film. His scenes with the Larry character is just so uncomfortably hilarious to watch and Fred does a great job with that role. Richard Kind as Undle Arthur is funny in most of his scenes and you end up liking that character quite a bit. The one standout of this film has to be Michael Stuhlbarg as Larry Gopnik. He carries this film all-through and he delivers a subdued performance that allows you to read into his eyes. He is very introverted, but he delivers a lot to tell through his eyes. He delivers a pain and a likable quality at the same time in which you start off not liking this character and by the end of the picture, he wins you over. I definitely enjoyed watching Larry's arc of the picture the most and he delivers the standout performance! The cinematography of the film is very great as well. The Cohens are back with their regular cinematographer from No Country For Old Men: Roger Deakins. Deakins delivers a great visual and subdued style that works with the picture! The film is just really well shot and it works!
The negatives of the picture depends entirely on the audience. While I know that people love to be thrown curve balls in movies, the Cohens pull the rag from under you. The ending of the picture is definitely abrupt, but it's definitely going to be one thing the audience is going to be split on! While it works for the picture, many do argue that it should be clear as to what happens and it shouldn't be left to our imagination. I was split on it. I didn't want it to end like that, but I got exactly what the directors were trying to do with the film after I saw the film. If you take it, it can be good thing. A key theme in the film is that life sometimes has no answers and it pulls the rug from under you at the wrong time. The film's problem is that it's unclear if most audiences would go through with that again.
Overall, this film is a black comedy that is a surprise and a worthwhile check. I wasn't into the film when I started watching it, but the film won me over. I did get what the Cohens were trying to do and they definitely break the rules of Cinema, but I did like them all for it after the picture was done. The script is great, the cinematography is great, and the acting is good too. This is a FULL-PRICE movie! I dug it!
Till Next time take care guys!
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