'The Man who wasn't there' (2001)
One of the few Coen bros movies I've not seen until now. And it is typically brilliant, mysterious, character driven off the wall fare. The way it is shot is absolutely gorgeous. The black and whites are striking as the use of artificial light cuts through creating memorable lines, shadows and apparitions. It is a lovely film to look at.
The plot is a Neo-Noir inspired mystery with a few other zany elements involved. B Thornton carries it through with aplomb. He's just such a watchable actor, his screen presence and mannerisms are mesmerizing.
The movie leaves a few questions unanswered and the ending is ambiguous, so I think many viewers would probably be annoyed. But that's part of the point. To piece the jigsaw together yourself however you see fit.
In my opinion, while on death row, BBT is probably making half the story up in a Kaiser soze style - he more or less admits it too, as he writes an article for a magazine (and gets paid by the word). So a second viewing might enable the viewer to ascertain which bits we think were made up and which bits were not.
Very enjoyable viewing. 8/10
One of the few Coen bros movies I've not seen until now. And it is typically brilliant, mysterious, character driven off the wall fare. The way it is shot is absolutely gorgeous. The black and whites are striking as the use of artificial light cuts through creating memorable lines, shadows and apparitions. It is a lovely film to look at.
The plot is a Neo-Noir inspired mystery with a few other zany elements involved. B Thornton carries it through with aplomb. He's just such a watchable actor, his screen presence and mannerisms are mesmerizing.
The movie leaves a few questions unanswered and the ending is ambiguous, so I think many viewers would probably be annoyed. But that's part of the point. To piece the jigsaw together yourself however you see fit.
In my opinion, while on death row, BBT is probably making half the story up in a Kaiser soze style - he more or less admits it too, as he writes an article for a magazine (and gets paid by the word). So a second viewing might enable the viewer to ascertain which bits we think were made up and which bits were not.
Very enjoyable viewing. 8/10