A Serious Man

The Coen Brothers are back with their latest about a Jewish Minnesotan in the 1960's. Only the Coens can take something so mundane and banal and turn it into an enthralling study of a single man's decline into an abyss of guilt and anguish.

Larry is a middle aged man at a crossroads in his life. The cleverly cast Michael Stuhlbarg portrays the math and physics professor anticipating tenure when his personal life is pulled out from under him with typical detailed Coen subplots. He of course has no idea that things are going poorly, and is forced to cope with problem after problem. The supporting characters are all Jewish, save the subtle neo-nazi neighbor, and there is a heavy theme of a man lost, finding his place in the confined world of his own life.

A Serious Man hearkens back to a simple time, a very linear and basic plot, and although not a great film by any stretch, it is a bearable and interesting piece with notable nuances indicative of the unique genre that has spawned out of the Coen's minds. Actors with uncharacteristically pronounced flaws or idiosyncratic tendencies. Settings and props that are quirky enough to cause notice. Prolonged scenes and awkward yet brilliant conversations.

I will religiously watch anything that the Coens create. Ever since No Country, I am a believer that they are true trailblazers in cinema in the way that Tarantino/Rodriguez and Cameron are, but the Coens hit a more visceral nerve in the viewer. They take ownership of their work. Writing, directing, editing, they do it all from start to finish.

The little things make this film great. The nervous tick in Larry's eye. The Gary Cole in Office Space-esque tenure committee chairman. The phone conversation with the subscription music clearing house. The slow walk of the receptionist down and back from the rabbi's office. All of these details are the trademark of the Coen Brothers, and although not a classic in their library, it is well done, down to the ambiguous and dissatisfying ending.

This one may not receive much critical acclaim besides the writing. Of course, with 10 Best Picture nominees this year, I wouldn't count this film out. Probably the 4th best film I've seen so far this year (Hurt Locker, Inglorious Basterds, the Informant) but there are a handful on the horizon that could easily knock it from its spot. Of course, it is the Coen Brothers...

I am looking forward to their next film, a 2010 remake of True Grit with Matt Damon, Josh Brolin and Jeff Bridges on board. They have been itching to tackle this project for some time and it looks like it will finally come to fruition. Like I said, they can do no wrong in my eyes, although I am disappointed that Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian fell from from Coens to Ridley Scott to Todd Field, and is taking so long to find it's way to the screen. It would have been gold (and probably still will be if ever shot).

The coming months are bringing only a handful of prospective Oscar candidates. For some reason it seems to be a down year for the Academy. Precious, Men who Stare at Goats, Up in the Air, the Road, the Messenger, Brothers, Nine, Invictus, Lovely Bones and Avatar are the only remaining films on my list, and many of those will certainly prove disappointing. My biggest disappointment is Shutter Island being pushed off to February. Oh well, Leo will have to wait for his Oscar another year.

A Serious Man: good, but not great. Definitely worth watching if you are a fan of the Coens. 8/10.