O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

Throughout the pandemic, I’ve been trying to learn the artistic styles of different directors and cinematographers, and I’ve really enjoyed watching the Coen Brothers’ films. So far I’ve watched Raising Arizona (1987), Fargo (1996), Burn After Reading (2008), Hail, Caesar (2016), and most recently, O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000). There’s many more boxes for me to check off on my Coen Brothers list, but one of the films that really stuck out to me was O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000). It’s funny and smart with great writing, acting, cinematography, and music. 

Based upon Homer’s Odyssey, the movie is set in the 1930s in the deep south. Three convicts (George Clooney, John Turturro, and Tim Blake Nelson) make a run for it and are determined to find hidden treasure. In their wild journey foraging for the secret riches, the trio encounters many comical and colorful characters and circumstances beyond belief. While this movie is hilarious throughout, its basis of The Odyssey gives the film layers of depth, symbolism, and interesting themes. 

One theme of the film is religion and music. What’s really interesting about the role of religion in this film is that the actuality of God is left for interpretation for the characters and viewers alike.  Music serves as an aesthetic, but also as an aid in the plot. At the beginning of the film, one of the first scenes that we see music and religion intertwined is when we see an abundance of people in white robes walking toward the water to be baptized. They are singing the classic hymn, I'll Fly Away, which leaves the trio in awe, and reassures Delmar that his past sins of going to and breaking out of prison will be washed away by observing the traditions of Christianity, but also the societal norms of the deep south. 

Another theme of the film is the many personas of mortal beings. While at a first glance, these characters seem simple, as the movie progresses we see their dual natures. Everett (Clooney) shows his dual nature toward the end of the film, when he reveals that there is no buried treasure, he made it up so that Delmar and Pete would escape with him. Everett is not an unkind man, and certainly cares about the prosperity of his two friends, but in this moment we witness the many shades to his personality.

If you’re looking for a funny movie with some profundity, Ethan and Joel Coen’s O Brother, Where Art Thou? is the film for you. It’s the perfect mix of comedy and art that people with all kinds of tastes in cinema can enjoy together.

One of the best scenes in the movie!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AksY2gX1Dc&list=PLC605F20BF971975B&index=1

Here is a link to the soundtrack!