Reviewed 31/10/01
The Coen brothers only make two kinds of films. Those based around the screwball comedies of the 30's and 40's, and those based on the Film Noirs of the 30's and 40's. This is one of the latter.
If you only know the Coen's for their recent comedies, then this film will come as something of a surprise. But if you remember, and enjoyed, Blood Simple and the darker tone of Barton Fink, then you will probably get what the brothers are trying to do here.
Billy Bob Thornton is Ed Crane, the stone faced barber who tries to shake up his life, and has to deal with the consequences. Ed is so completely tired of life, that he cannot muster up any kind of passion about it. He has a job he has no interest in, and a wife who has no interest in him. He doesn't talk, because he has nothing to say, and the people around him who talk all the time, aren't saying anything meaningful.
It is through his misadventures that he regains some of his passion, and finally finds people who want to hear him.
While this film will not appeal to everyone (how many do?), it is well written and beautify shot. The acting is great, and the actual plot has enough twists and reversals to keep it surprising. The surreal elements come in as dreams or fantasies, and only serve to show us the Ed is moving out of the rut he was in.
My personal favourite Coen Brothers film is Millers Crossing, and while this is not going to knock it of the top spot, it is an interesting movie from two of the most idiosyncratic filmmakers currently working in America.
7/10
"Eventually, everybody needs a haircut."
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