O Brother, Where Art Thou?

The first thing one must understand about this film is that it is loosely based on the Odyssey. Joel and Ethan Coen (best known for Fargo and The Big Lebowski) claim as much, although they never actually read a single page. Then again, they said that Fargo was also based on a true story, but that film was pure fiction. Never mind.

They utilize their signature trademarks, turning their main characters into buffoons, who find themselves in screwball situations. Three convicts lead by Ulysses Everett McGill (George Clooney), Pete Hogwallop (John Turturro) and Delmar O’Donnel (Tim Blake Nelson) escape from a chain gang in Depression-era Mississippi.  Almost as soon as they escape, they come across a blind man who prophesies that they will find a great fortune—but it will not be the one they seek. This, of course, is the Oracle, who declares that he has no name and works for no man. 

They find themselves on the run from the local Sheriff–not an easy task, as he is never far behind. What makes it easier to track them is the scent of Everett’s hair gel. Of course, they want to find that treasure promised by Clooney.  In their adventures, they unwittingly become singing sensations with the aid of a black man who claims he’s sold his soul to the devil, encounter a one-eyed Bible salesman with a big appetite (John Goodman), and have a run-in with the KKK.

Pete and Delmar are decidedly less cynical than Everett (as they call him).  They are willingly baptized in one scene, believing themselves to be forever saved.  It’s hard for them to stick to their convictions, though, as the trio quickly falls in with a bank robber and are seduced by singing Sirens. The aforementioned Klan gathering includes quirky details (such as a member with one eye hole) and then concludes with a darkly comedic punchline.

Clooney, Turturro, and Nelson are all extremely well-cast in their roles.  Clooney (who appeared in their film Intolerable Cruelty) shines as the cynical man of natural law and will not hear of any of his companions’ spiritual “nonsense”. Turturro is also wonderful. A scene in a movie theater crowded with prisoners—and his companions—is one of many hilarious ones. Nelson plays the dimwit perfectly and complements his fellow actors quite well. Holly Hunter plays Everett’s ex Penelope, who left him for another guy who is less likely to end up in prison.

Props should also be given to cinematographer Roger Deakins, who is a frequent collaborator with the directors. The script is smart, and they have created a terrific villain in the Sherriff, who is more than suggested to be the Devil. O Brother, Where Art Thou? is not only a very good-looking film but also features a wonderful soundtrack with songs that feel pulled right from that setting. They lend to the spiritual themes present throughout.

This movie is one of the best efforts from the Coen Brothers so far.  The story, performances, characterizations, cinematography, and music are all ingredients that (in lesser hands) would have been an unremarkable time at the theater. Fortunately, the Coens make this Brother another winning entry in their filmography.

Rated PG-13 for some violence and language.

1 hour, 47 minutes