The Great Depression. Three convicts escape from a Southern chain gang and find unexpected fame on the radio. Brilliantly observed updating of Homer's Odyssey.
In about every five years, one film will come our way that would go on to be immortal in the annals of film history. O Brother is one of those films. From start to end... more >
In about every five years, one film will come our way that would go on to be immortal in the annals of film history. O Brother is one of those films. From start to end, I was fervently engaged in this story as it unravels against the Depression era background with almost balletic pacing. In fact, some have described this film as half belonging to the musical genre. But even if you're not familiar with or don't enjoy the works of Joel and Ethan like Fargo, The Big Lebowski and The Man Who Wasn't There, this film will surely mark the turning of the tide because it projects the widest audience appeal. Not only is it entirely wholesome and suitable for the family (and this would usually lead to genre restrictions), it would entertain everyone from the nerdiest schoolkid or the most pious nun to the maddest drunken superbiker or disillusioned goth. It's difficult not to enjoy this film because it's first and foremost, hilariously funny and the story-telling is just so charmingly simple without being boring or obnoxious. Inventive narrative, perfect cast, clever script, appropriate special effects -the list runs endless. To add to this already embarrassing array of delights, it also boasts a bluegrass country soundtrack which went on to record greater successes than the film itself! When I first watched this film years ago, it prompted me to buy the soundtrack, the spinoff of the soundtrack and even the composer's score in a musical notation book. I really don't know how to write this review without being partisan but I must imagine that you have to be from a really segregated section of society not to love this film. < less
This Coen Brothers production set in the Great Depression tells the hilarious story of three convicts played by George Clooney, John Turturro, and Tim Blake Nelson - w... more >
This Coen Brothers production set in the Great Depression tells the hilarious story of three convicts played by George Clooney, John Turturro, and Tim Blake Nelson - who escape from a Southern chain gang and find unexpected fame on the radio. This is a brilliantly observed update of Homer’s ‘Odyssey’, accompanied by catchy blue grass music. I was particularly impressed by the solid acting abilities of Clooney, always a favourite of mine from the heady days of ER. Clooney plays a silver-tongued petty criminal with an obsession for hair oil and an endless supply of hairnets. For film buffs the title of the film was taken from the Preston Sturges’ Sullivan’s Travels. < less
MovieMail Podcast Latest edition: Diamonds of the Night - Graeme Hobbs explores an extraordinary debut film that follows the desperate journey of two boys who escape from a train bound for a concentration camp.
