O Brother, Where Art Thou? Review
Have you ever wondered what Homer’s The Odyssey would be like if it were set during the Great Depression? Better yet, what if Odysseus and his men were replaced by the Three Stooges? While this mashup may sound ludicrous, the Coen brothers pull it off in one of the greatest movies this critic has ever seen: O Brother, Where Art Thou?
The movie follows Everett, Pete, and Delmar, three escaped convicts who traverse rural Mississippi in search of an alleged fortune. Along the way, they encounter an abundance of comic perils and eccentric characters, from a manic bank robber to a one-eyed, Bible-selling mugger, all while evading a foreboding sheriff hot on their trail. In reality, Everett (George Clooney) is on a quest for a treasure greater than money: a reunion with his wife (Holly Hunter) and daughters.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? is an unapologetically funny feature, satirizing the sociopolitical landscape of the 1930s with a dash of Southern vernacular and chaotic action. It skillfully balances out with quieter, solemn moments that allow us to better understand our characters or fear for their safety. The script takes its time between scenes, and nearly every plot thread is resolved before the end. The soundtrack alone is worthy of praise; the period folk and gospel music performed is overflowing with such unbridled heart and soul that are sure to get the audience's toes tapping.
If nothing else wins you over, the chemistry between the lead trio certainly will. George Clooney brings his trademark style of charm to Ulysses Everett McGill, a quick-witted criminal who hides his vulnerabilities behind a wall of eloquent wit. John Tuturro and Tim Blake Nelson make for endearing foils as pessimistic Pete and dimwitted Delmar, respectively. Despite their shady pasts, you will find yourself rooting for and laughing at this peculiar band of likable fugitives.
All in all, O Brother, Where Art Thou? is an encouraging movie; it proves that with solid writing, outstanding performances, and a killer soundtrack, even the most bizarre concepts can become movies worth remembering and revisiting.
Rating: 10/10
