Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?

Plot

In the 1930s in the deep south, three convicts escape from prison chain gang in order to get to a treasure before a planned flooding of an area to create a man made lake. Along the way they meet a varying array of characters, find themselves as a one hit wonder singing as a group called the Soggy Bottom Boys, and find themselves assisting in the election for the Governor of Mississippi.

Direction

Fun direction from the Coen Brothers, has all the hallmarks of their wit and charm.

The accentuated yellow and sepia tones also add to the feel of the time, as the credits open with an almost silent film era type feel to it – we then start with black and whites, leading into the colour palet that remains.

There is also some comedic poor green screen use at times, most notably when the characters board the train early in the film.

Cast/Characters

George Clooney, Tim Blake Nelson and John Turturro play the trio of leads Ulysses Everett McGill, Delmar O’Donnell and Pete.

A whose who of Coen regulars appear throughout such as John Goodman, Charles Durning, Stephen Root, and Holly Hunter.

Screenplay/Setting/Themes

Being a film set in the 1930s and deep south, racism does come into play as one of the themes, although not primary. One character the trio come into contact with is Tommy (who is based on a liked namesake who ‘sold his soul to the devil’ for mastery of the guitar.

Music is the primary theme, with significant moments occurring throughout the film. We open on the chain gang, in song. Early in the film, the trio and Tommy become famous singers; the boys encounter the sirens who sing to them, there is Ulysses’ daughters band, the KKK song and the finale where the Soggy Bottom Boys sing once more.

I enjoyed the fast pacing, as the boys go from one character or obstacle to another as they journey to get to the treasure.

Score/Soundtrack

As much of the soundtrack is within the screenplay itself, with many of the characters singing throughout – however the on screen cast do not do much of the singing.

Overall

One of the Coen Brothers better films, with a great cast including lead Clooney and his two co-leads Turturro and Nelson.

The setting, from timeline, to geography – and the way the final product shows on screen is brilliantly done.

A strong recommend from me.

4/5