Friday, April 24, 2009

Movie Review: O Brother, Where Art Thou?


To my mind, this film finally convinced me that George Clooney could act. Based on Homer's epic poem the Odyssey, directors Joel Coen and his brother Ethan Coen, send us on a wild tale set in the depression era.

In order to prevent his wife from marrying someone else Clooney's character Everett convinces his buddies in the chain gang that he has a big score. They escape together and wander about the countryside, Everett looking for his ex and the other boys hoping to make big bucks.

To make a little spending cash, they record a song for a radio station and it becomes a huge hit. They were wet when they wandered into the studio so they called themselves the Soggy Bottom Boys.

The melodic tunes throughout helped drive the action to many a mini climax. Sirens sing the boys to sleep, leaving one to believe his friend has turned into a frog. Everett's daughters sing on stage, helping him find the ex Mrs, played astutely by Holly Hunter.

Look for outstanding performances by John Goodman, John Turturro, and
Tim Blake Nelson. I don't remember his name, but watch for the kid who helps the boys escape from one of their cousins. He steals every scene he's in. He wants to R U N N O F T with them as they leave. Sadly, they tell him he has to stay with his pappy. I wanted to see more of the kid.

Multiple copies of the DVD at these libraries: Bandon, Coos Bay and North Bend. VHS copies at: Coos Bay, Coquille, Dora, Myrtle Point and Powers. Also look in Coos Bay and Bandon for a VHS and CD titled Down from the Mountain featuring artists and music from the film.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0190590/

Buy the DVDs and CDs from Amazon: O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Down from the Mountain (The "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Concert)

CDs:


O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Down From the Mountain: Live Concert Performances by the Artists & Musicians of O Brother, Where Art Thou?

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