O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

In the deep south during the 1930s, three escaped convicts search for hidden treasure while a relentless lawman pursues them.

Jess’ Review

I love the Coen Brothers. They have a fantastic catalogue of films behind them with the top spot an eternal tussle between The Big Lebowski (1998), Fargo (1996) and No Country For Old Men (2007). Regrettably, for me, O Brother Where Art Thou? (2000) simply cannot run alongside the big dogs. It’s not a bad film - in fact, it’s very good! - but it’s just not quite the same calibre. O Brother, stars the ever-enigmatic George Clooney as Ulysses Everett McGill, a smooth-talking and witty escapee on a quest to find buried treasure. Alongside him are dim-witted sidekicks Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson) and Pete (John Turturro) who both put in brilliant performances. The film is loosely based on Homer’s Odyssey with a number of stylistic tweaks and a depression-era-Mississippi backdrop. I’ll be the first to admit, I know nothing of Greek literature and have a limited knowledge of its mythology. But I can tell you, I love it when films use these kind of parallels and symbolism in fresh, creative ways. O Brother is a wonderful example of this, injecting a fantastical subtext into an already intelligent, well-shot comedy. The characters are brilliant in typical Coen style, eccentric and unusual - heightened even more so by the mythical semblances of this particular universe. Take John Goodman’s shady, Big Dan Teague - a larger-than-life, one-eyed presence that serves a quiet nod to the cyclops. Brilliant! But whilst I could rave on about the quirky characters, one element that is done perfectly in O Brother is the music. The film is so full of soulful acapella and riveting bluegrass jigs that the soundtrack itself becomes the centrpiece of the movie. It becomes it’s own entity, framing scene after scene with a well-considered burst of song. And anyone who says that ‘Man of Constant Sorrow’ isn’t catchy is a dirty liar. To Sam’s misfortune, I’ve been singing that sh-t all day. Now despite all the wonderful things O Brother has going for it, it does have its shortcomings. Specifically, the plot. At times I couldn’t help but feel I was watching a series of bizarre events, rather than following any over-arching plot. I forgot Everett’s main objective at times and instead found myself lost in a new subplot, another adventure with yet another host of odd inhabitants. I enjoyed it, but the story did feel flimsy at times and perhaps overly saturated. Needless to say, O Brother Where Art Thou? is worth a watch. A treat for Coen fans and strangers alike, the film takes you on a wild romp with plenty of humour and warmth from it’s leading cast. It’s not the brothers’ best, but it’s still pretty good.

7.5/10

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Sam’s Review

I’m not sure I have much to say about O Brother, Where Art Thou? The film is loosely based on Homer’s The Odyssey. There are clever references to cyclops and sirens that stay true to the reality of the world O Brother is set in, while also tipping their hat to the poem.

The film starts slow, with some powerful imagery. The pace picks up, but the washed out visuals remain throughout, and are stunning. They capture a bleakness that is dauntingly beautiful.

While the film is quick-witted, and a lot happens, I find myself disinterested for parts of it. Partially because I was struggling with the thick accents, but mainly because it seems disjointed. It’s episodic. As if each scene stands alone, linked only by the fact the main characters are the same. And said characters, who I didn’t find particularly likeable, also lack depth.

There are positives. The soundtrack is fantastic. The pained lyrics, which on their own are brilliant, suit the characters well. Soul is enthused within the country sound, and the performances had me nodding my head.

It’s not a bad film. Visually it’s stunning. But it’s too slap-stick for me, and the story is lacking. If my review seems lacklustre, it’s a reflection of the film.

6.5/10