Top Box Office Movies - O Brother, Where Art Thou?

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) Touchstone PIctures
1 hr. 43 mIns.
Starring: George Clooney, John Turturro, John Goodman, Tim Blake Nelson.
Directed by: Joel Coen & Ethan Coen (uncredited)

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Rating:

E-MAIL GIANCARLO DE LISI

Photo: Touchstone Pictures

One of the one most interesting characteristics about enjoying films is that a person's taste is entirely subjective. One person may love a movie while another can completely hate it. This can be applied in many cases to 'art' films that may appease only the film 'connaisseur' and turn off the mainstream Hollywood filmgoer. If ever there was one film in recent memory that this may be applied to it will be the Coen Brothers' 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?'

The Coen Brothers will both disappoint and appease many filmgoers with this comedic tale based on Homer's Odyssey. The one suggestion I may make is that in order for one to fully enjoy this film, one must familiarize themselves with the story and then sit back and be treated to a great tale and a great treat. Furthermore, an appreciation of the Coen Brother's work is also an added incentive as this brother-brother filmmaking team have 'wet their beaks' in a host of subjects. This critic's personal favourite Coen film, 'The Big Lebowski'.

In relation to their latest film and the story in which it is based on, I will not pretend that I know my Greek myths, fact of the matter is I am planning to re-read the story and view the film a second time in order to view all the inside-jokes I probably missed the first time. But what the eye can see without reading the story is a lush, extravagant, beautifully filmed story replete with great cinematography by the gifted Roger Deakins. Simply view the film's opening and understand and experience just what kind of look he has given this film. And as always the Coen's pack in as many twists and memorable scenes as ever before including a well choreographed and comedic 'larger than life' Klu-Klux Klan scene where our heroes attempt to save their begotten friend.

In order to bring this story to life, the Coens have given George Clooney the lead as he portrays the Ulysses character in 'The Odyssey' story as Ulysses Everett McGill. A well mannered, grounded individual who seeks the love of his family. What is also surprising is that Clooney actually plays the lead well, holding the audience to his every word and greased hair as he holds the film and leads this trio of trouble on their quest for treasure. Joining McGill as he escapes prison are Pete Hagwallop (John Turturro) and Delmar O'Donnell (Tim Blake Nelson) as they search for a treasure only to discover what they are really after. Yes, the previous synopsis does sound flagrant, but in a nutshell, the moral is conveyed across the film in the form of witty writing and simply absolute beautiful cinematography that make this trio what they are really after.

If one does appreciates a different kind of filmmaking filled with musical moments, memorable characters and a series of misadventures that are well played out while staying truthful to the 'The Odyssey' with a series of witty cross references - you will enjoy this film. If not, many might find this film distasteful and tedious, but I bet you will still be slapping your knees to the movie's many great musical moments.

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Giancarlo De Lisi
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