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Joel and Ethan Coen's A Serious Man is a brilliant LQTM black comedy that out-misanthropes Woody Allen by a country mile and positively seethes with contempt for complacent religious culture (in this case '60s era Minnesota Judaism). I was knocked flat in the best way imaginable and have put it right at the top of my Coen-best list. God, it's such a pleasure to take in something this acidic and well-scalpeled. The Coens are fearless at this kind of artful diamond-cutting.
A Serious Man star Michael Stuhlbarg on phone; Adam Arkin is the out-of-focus guy (i.e., an attorney) behind him.
The wickedly acidic and funereal tone and lack of stars means it isn't going to make a dime, but it's a high-calibre achievement by the most gifted filmmaking brothers of our time, and it absolutely must rank as one of the year's ten Best Picture nominees when all is said and done. The Academy fudgies will not be permitted to brush this one aside, and if they do there will be torches and pitchforks such as James Whale never imagined at the corner of Wilshire and La Peer.
The worldview of this maliciously wicked film (which isn't "no-laugh funny" as much as wicked-bitter-toxic funny, which I personally prize above all other kinds) is black as night, black as a damp and sealed-off cellar. Scene after scene tells us that life is drip-drip torture, betrayal and muted hostility are constants, all manner of bad things (including tornadoes) are just around the corner, your family and neighbors will cluck-cluck as you sink into quicksand, etc.
This is the stuff that true laughter is made of, and this is a genuinely wonderful film to sit through because of it. It's so refined and compressed and jewel-cut, so precisely calibrated and cold as nitrogen, and yet hilarious as Hades. Literally. I can't wait to catch it a second time.
Only a couple of tough Jewish filmmakers could make a film this despising and contemptuous of their own. And what a way to spur the sales of Jefferson Airplane CDs!
Joel and Ethan Coen
Set in 1969 or '71 (to judge by the music), A Serious Man is about a decent but fatally passive and acquiescent college (High school?) physics teacher named Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg) and his family, along with his extended family of neighbors, synagogue members, rabbis, attorneys and whatnot who live in St. Louis Park, Minnesota -- a suburb of Minneapolis.
The story is about Gopnik grappling with one horrific threat and misfortune after another. His wife Judith (Sari Wagner Lennick, who looks like Mrs. Shrek minus the green skin) is planning to leave him for a 50ish grotesque named Sy Ableman (Fred Melamed). The father of a South Korean student looking for a better grade tries to bribe Gopnik and then sue him for defamation when he won't accept it. His application for tenure appears threatened. His no-account brother Arthur is living on the couch, and is being investigated by police for indecent behavior. There's a slim and foxy next-door neighbor who sunbathes nude in hetr back yard.
Every character in this film except for the teenage kids and the next-door nudist is an appalling Jewish grotesque. The grotesques in Mike Leigh's films have nothing on this bunch. The thought of actually being inside the head and the skin of one of these characters ...eewww! In a certain light A Serious Man is almost a kind of companion piece to Todd Browning's Freaks, except that Browning's film is greatly compassionate and caring and A Serious Man is anything but.
You know what this film philosophically is in a nutshell? That kiki joke I passed along a couple of years ago. The one about two anthropologists captured by cannibals in New Guinea, etc.? Chief to anthropologhists: "Death or kiki?" Anthropologist #1 chooses kiki and is beaten, tortured, whipped, flayed and eaten by crocodiles. The chief asks Anthropologist #2 the same question, and he says, "I'm not a brave man so I'll choose death." And the chief goes, "Very well, death...but first, kiki!"
Posted by Jeffrey Wells on September 11, 2009 at 12:37 PM
comment #1
loyal
says ...
As a non-Jew who enjoys neither Coen films nor Allen films, will I like it?
Posted by loyal
at September 11, 2009 2:22 PM
comment #2
Mr. F.
says ...
Okay, dumb question: the Coens grew up in St. Louis Park, along with other famous Jews (Al Franken, Thomas Friedman, and more)... how much of the film is biographical? I can't imagine the Coens wouldn't have peppered the movie with anecdotes and beats they remember from their youth...
Posted by Mr. F.
at September 11, 2009 2:27 PM
comment #3
lipranzer
says ...
"I don't know who plays the out-of-focus guy"
Isn't that Adam Arkin?
Posted by lipranzer
at September 11, 2009 2:30 PM
comment #4
Jeffrey Wells
says ...
Wells to loyal: Gee, I guess not.
Posted by Jeffrey Wells
at September 11, 2009 2:37 PM
comment #5
George Prager
says ...
Yes, it's Arkin.
"As a non-Jew who enjoys neither Coen films nor Allen films, will I like it?"
What a strange question. Are you a Viking or a member of the Mel Gibson family?
This is an unbelievable, unqualified rave. This seemed like the kind of Coen brothers movie that I would hate. I guess not. Reminds me of the Philip Roth story "Eli the Fanatic."
Posted by George Prager
at September 11, 2009 2:38 PM
comment #6
loyal
says ...
I am neither Viking nor a Gibson, though I still barely made it out of Burn After Reading.
The Coens are definitely not for everyone.
Posted by loyal
at September 11, 2009 2:44 PM
comment #7
Mr. F.
says ...
Hmm... if you believe Wikipedia:
"The film is set in St. Louis Park, Minnesota in the year 1967, and is intended in some ways to reflect the childhood of the Coen brothers as they recall it."
Will be curious to hear what moments are based in fact... at least, facts "as they recall" them.
Posted by Mr. F.
at September 11, 2009 2:51 PM
comment #8
Carl Kolchak
says ...
Looks like the Coens will be reteaming with the Dude. Jeff Bridges will be playing the lead in True Grit.
Posted by Carl Kolchak
at September 11, 2009 3:06 PM
comment #9
Travis Crabtree
says ...
....and don't get me started on the Jews. Oy!
(j.k.)
Cool! Maybe the studio will buy banner ads on Hollywood Elsewhere .com for "A Serious Man"....
SO WE WON'T HAVE TO SCROLL PAST A STEREO VIEW OF MICHAEL MOORE'S RUBBERY JOWLS EVERY TIME WE LOG ON.
Posted by Travis Crabtree
at September 11, 2009 3:14 PM
comment #10
Jeffrey Wells
says ...
Wells to Travis Crabtree: It would please me greatly if you would stop being irritating. You're like a six year old making fart sounds. Michael Moore's jowls have a certain force and dignity that you will never match with any aspect of your person.
Posted by Jeffrey Wells
at September 11, 2009 3:33 PM
comment #11
Jason
says ...
Mr. F: I'm sure it will have lots of regional flavor. They asked a local lawyer, Ron Meshbesher, for permission to use his name in the movie because they always liked the sound of it when, growing up, they heard his ads on the radio. Meshbesher, whose name does have a Coen-like quality, is still doing radio ads in the Twin Cities today.
Posted by Jason
at September 11, 2009 3:37 PM
comment #12
SpinDozer
says ...
Gruver: Snap!
This is one of the movies I have been waiting for. Great to hear its one of their better offerings.
Posted by SpinDozer
at September 11, 2009 3:52 PM
comment #13
BurmaShave
says ...
Now I just wish Martin Mull were in the movie.
Posted by BurmaShave
at September 11, 2009 4:05 PM
comment #14
QualityGibberish
says ...
If I were stranded on a desert island (oh, please let me be stranded on a desert island) and had to choose the catalog of one filmmaker, the Coens would be it. I can't think of any of their stuff that's not at least VERY interesting, and most of it is just a delight. The best.
Posted by QualityGibberish
at September 11, 2009 4:33 PM
comment #15
bmcintire
says ...
Jeff - I don't know if the bloodletting the past few days has given you a new sense of joy, but these past two raves are indeed welcome news. This fall is starting to look awesome. Thank you.
Posted by bmcintire
at September 11, 2009 4:41 PM
comment #16
televisiontears
says ...
Glad to hear it's so good. I didn't really know what to expect since it seemed like such a strange departure, but you have eased my mind, Jeff.
Also, "You're like a six year-old making fart sounds" is probably the funniest thing I've read all week.
Posted by televisiontears
at September 11, 2009 4:45 PM
comment #17
lazarus
says ...
Crabtree, just be glad you weren't flushed down the toilet along with pVice.
I think the reason this isn't going to make any money isn't because it's dark or depressing, it's because Joe Sixpack doesn't want to see a movie about Jews. Isn't it that simple?
And Jeff, you also failed to mention if this has kicked Up In The Air our of your top spot? If not, is it because you're feeling a little bit more inspired by the positive message of Reitman's film, or because you really don't think it's a greater cinematic achievement?
Posted by lazarus
at September 11, 2009 4:53 PM
comment #18
Yuval
says ...
If the Coens, Minnesota Judaism, grotesque characters and laugh out loud reading appeals to you I recommend Ethan Coen's short stories book - "Gates of Eden".
Posted by Yuval
at September 11, 2009 4:55 PM
comment #19
KC
says ...
I can't seem to work up any excitement for Up in the Air but I am dying to see this one. And could you find a better test subject than Wells to confirm that you don't need a background steeped in Midwestern Judaism to enjoy the film
Posted by KC
at September 11, 2009 5:07 PM
comment #20
Mr. F.
says ...
KC: obviously, there are no dreidels in the movie.
(Sorry, couldn't resist...)
Posted by Mr. F.
at September 11, 2009 5:13 PM
comment #21
Travis Crabtree
says ...
Yes, but I can at least aspire to Moore-like jowlry.
Everybody needs a goal.
And I can be substantive.
Go here for my in-depth exploration of post-war Italian neo-realsim.
http://www.fart-sounds.net/fart_sound_board.htm
Posted by Travis Crabtree
at September 11, 2009 5:20 PM
comment #22
Travis Crabtree
says ...
off topic
Was anyone else in So Cal just scared three feet into the air from the Space Shuttle double sonic boom?
Damn that's loud!
(and on 9/11 no less..not cool)
Posted by Travis Crabtree
at September 11, 2009 5:39 PM
comment #23
KC
says ...
Mr. F my first draft of that comment was "remember when you didn't know what a dreidel was, hahahaha" so I understand the impulse.
Posted by KC
at September 11, 2009 5:50 PM
comment #24
televisiontears
says ...
Crabtree, I'm a grown man who just spent five minutes at your link laughing his ass off.
Well played, sir.
Posted by televisiontears
at September 11, 2009 6:03 PM
comment #25
The Winchester
says ...
"Was anyone else in So Cal just scared three feet into the air from the Space Shuttle double sonic boom?"
Was that what that was? I thought someone had plowed into my apartment building! Freaked me the hell out.
I'm glad that Wells enjoyed this one. But I was left a little cold after Burn After Reading, another Coen Bros film Wells raved about. I'm cautious, but always willing to accept a new Coen moviewhen they are bestowed upon us. (I'm still hoping they do that silent movie with Brad Pitt)
Posted by The Winchester
at September 11, 2009 6:15 PM
comment #26
Deathtongue_Groupie
says ...
I was expecting the boom AND was still startled by it. Wanted to go out to Edwards to see it, but the base was closed to the public today.
Travis, I think that says a lot about your mindset within a certain echo chamber that you would hear it and instantly make a 9/11 connection.
For my own observation, I say a silent prayer for the 3,000 souls who died in order for Bush to have the justification to invade the wrong country. I then say another one for all those out there who aren't morally repulsed to anger over it.
Posted by Deathtongue_Groupie
at September 11, 2009 7:16 PM
comment #27
actionman
says ...
I thought Burn After Reading, just like pretty much everything else by the Coens, was brilliant. So re-watchable. Glad to see that they're back with some more diseased humor.
Posted by actionman
at September 11, 2009 7:24 PM
comment #28
Travis Crabtree
says ...
Christ, Deathtongue.... that's a bit of a reach, doncha think? Even for you? What the fuck?
Hey action! How's married life?
Posted by Travis Crabtree
at September 11, 2009 7:30 PM
comment #29
Kristopher Tapley
says ...
Loyal: I'm certainly not Jewish and I don't hold Allen in any real reverence beyond Annie Hall Manhattan and a handful of others, but I think there is a universality to this film. It knocked me on my ass.
It's an abstract work of art.
Posted by Kristopher Tapley
at September 11, 2009 8:00 PM
comment #30
CitizenKanedforChewingGum
says ...
Ah, now THIS is what you do best, Jeff! I had been anticipating the film already, of course, but even moreso after reading this great review. That was a real joy to read, man.
And I love Freaks! What a classic film.
Posted by CitizenKanedforChewingGum
at September 11, 2009 8:03 PM
comment #31
Mowkeka
says ...
Yeah Travis,
I heard it.
I'm here in Southern California, suffering through the recession in another state the liberals systemically destroyed through their good intentions.
Posted by Mowkeka
at September 11, 2009 8:18 PM
comment #32
Chase Kahn
says ...
"Every character in this film except for the teenage kids and the next-door nudist is an appalling Jewish grotesque."
All right, I can't stand it anymore. If the Coen Brothers don't establish "The Yiddish Policemen's Union" as their next project, I'm getting in a bathtub and dropping a toaster.
Posted by Chase Kahn
at September 11, 2009 8:21 PM
comment #33
mutinyco
says ...
Nice knowing ya, Chase... http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118008446.html?categoryid=13&cs=1
Posted by mutinyco
at September 11, 2009 8:46 PM
comment #34
Chase Kahn
says ...
Well, it was nice knowing you -- bath water's running...
Posted by Chase Kahn
at September 11, 2009 8:50 PM
comment #35
BurmaShave
says ...
deathtongue, that really was an absurd reach that says much more about your echo chamber.
Travis, if you thought that was scary, for a few hours it seemed like the Coast Guard had fired on a boat in the Potomac here. Apparently it was a training exercise. Also scheduled on 9 11, not cool.
Posted by BurmaShave
at September 11, 2009 8:58 PM
comment #36
Jonah
says ...
"I'm here in Southern California, suffering through the recession in another state the liberals systemically destroyed through their good intentions."
You're just a troll that doesn't even believe your own bullshit, as you never back it up when called on it.
Posted by Jonah
at September 11, 2009 9:45 PM
comment #37
Roman
says ...
At this point I am convinced that Wells is incapable of writing a review without insults.
And that, in itself, proves that he missed the point.
The mere fact that it is a positive review doesn't make up for the certain turns of phrase that are uniquely offensive.
Despite sort of (and only sort of - this is an inportant part) gettinng what Coen are really going for, Wells tries to shape the movie into his of perception of what it singularly must be.
Above all, Wells somehow missed the underlying universalness of the film and the main reason it isn't made just for the Jewish audience (and if it was, I assure you it would have been a somewhat different one).
What you are trying to reduce to a Jewish dillema/nightmare should in fact resonate with many, many other people of different faiths and traditions. And, it is this almost willing oversimplification that once again comes out as being offensive.
Ask David Mamet what he think of this movie and he'll tell you something different from what you would expect. Coens are not going for grotesqueness. These are nighmarish visions to be found, sure but they are not coming from that sort of sort of source.
Reading you review would make one think that Coens are atheists while I think the movie ultimately proves that they are anything but.
P.S. For the record, I was supremely pissed when the left off my beloved "Man Who Wasn't There" of the end of their trailer. Always loved it more than "Fargo" and IMO it's their best film.
Posted by Roman
at September 11, 2009 11:46 PM
comment #38
Travis Crabtree
says ...
Comment.
Posted by Travis Crabtree
at September 12, 2009 12:07 AM
comment #39
actionman
says ...
Travis -- things are great. having a blast.
Posted by actionman
at September 12, 2009 6:39 AM
comment #40
George Prager
says ...
California is in deep shit because of Proposition 13. Just when you thought Mowkeka couldn't get any dumber...he's a useful idiot, that's for sure..
Posted by George Prager
at September 12, 2009 7:52 AM
comment #41
arturobandini2
says ...
Uh-oh. There's critical dissent. Check out the roundtable in the new issue of Film Comment (Ansen, Dargis, Foundas, Hoberman, Sarris + 3 others). A Serious Man got 'bombs' from Foundas and Hoberman. The highest rating it got -- from the mag's editor -- was two stars out of five.
An Education averaged three stars, same as Bright Star.
The Informant! averaged two stars.
The movies they've loved this year include Public Enemies, White Ribbon, The Headless Woman, Alain Resnais's Wild Grass and, apparently, Antichrist.
Posted by arturobandini2
at September 12, 2009 8:02 AM
comment #42
ElstonGunnAICN
says ...
So, Wells, if you had to Sophie's Choice A Serious Man or Up In The Air, which would you choose?
Posted by ElstonGunnAICN
at September 12, 2009 11:17 AM
comment #43
btwnproductions
says ...
The Coens want to remake TRUE GRIT with Jeff Bridges:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118008446.html?categoryId=13&cs=1&ref=mv
Posted by btwnproductions
at September 12, 2009 11:39 AM
comment #44
ketut
says ...
I thought the punchline was,
"Emm! Death BY Kiki."
Posted by ketut
at September 12, 2009 1:08 PM
comment #45
badpete
says ...
im a great fan of the cohens ever since i know them!
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Posted by badpete
at December 5, 2009 9:27 AM
comment #46
badpete
says ...
kiki is the best! no one can beat him in his field, cheers!
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Posted by badpete
at December 6, 2009 11:42 PM
comment #47
badpete
says ...
Crabtree, I'm a grown man who just spent five minutes at your link laughing his ass off.
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Posted by badpete
at December 8, 2009 2:46 AM
comment #48
badpete
says ...
Ah, now THIS is what you do best, Jeff! I had been anticipating the film already, of course, but even more after reading this great review. cheers!!!
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Posted by badpete
at December 12, 2009 9:44 AM
comment #49
badpete
says ...
If the Coens, Minnesota Judaism, grotesque characters and laugh out loud reading appeals to you I recommend Ethan Coen's short stories book - "Gates of Eden".
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Posted by badpete
at December 15, 2009 2:35 AM
comment #50
badpete
says ...
Mr. F my first draft of that comment was "remember when you didn't know what a dreidel was, hahahaha" so I understand the impulse.
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Posted by badpete
at December 16, 2009 12:37 AM
comment #51
badpete
says ...
Ah, now THIS is what you do best, Jeff! I had been anticipating the film already, of course, but even moreso after reading this great review. That was a real joy to read, man.
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Posted by badpete
at December 17, 2009 2:17 AM
comment #52
badpete
says ...
"The film is set in St. Louis Park, Minnesota in the year 1967, and is intended in some ways to reflect the childhood of the Coen brothers as they recall it."
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Posted by badpete
at December 17, 2009 9:58 AM
comment #53
jimb12345
says ...
Ethan Cohen is so good on what he does. He makes me laugh so much. He does such great work.
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Posted by jimb12345
at December 18, 2009 8:45 PM
comment #54
badpete
says ...
Christ, Deathtongue.... that's a bit of a reach, doncha think? Even for you? What the fuck?
Hey action! How's married life?
hk fashion
Posted by badpete
at December 19, 2009 1:48 AM
comment #55
badpete
says ...
If the Coens, Minnesota Judaism, grotesque characters and laugh out loud reading appeals to you I recommend Ethan Coen's short stories book - "Gates of Eden".
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Posted by badpete
at December 19, 2009 4:23 AM
comment #56
badpete
says ...
Gruver: Snap!
This is one of the movies I have been waiting for. Great to hear its one of their better offerings.
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Posted by badpete
at December 20, 2009 9:19 PM
comment #57
badpete
says ...
I thought Burn After Reading, just like pretty much everything else by the Coens, was brilliant. So re-watchable. Glad to see that they're back with some more diseased humor.
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Posted by badpete
at December 21, 2009 10:46 PM
comment #58
badpete
says ...
I can't seem to work up any excitement for Up in the Air but I am dying to see this one. And could you find a better test subject than Wells to confirm that you don't need a background steeped in Midwestern Judaism to enjoy the film
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Posted by badpete
at December 24, 2009 10:36 PM
comment #59
badpete
says ...
This is one of the movies I have been waiting for. Great to hear its one of their better offerings.
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Posted by badpete
at December 28, 2009 10:33 AM
comment #60
badpete
says ...
California is in deep shit because of Proposition 13. Just when you thought Mowkeka couldn't get any dumber...he's a useful idiot, that's for sure..
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at December 30, 2009 10:13 AM
comment #61
atish
says ...
nice site..well done
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at December 31, 2009 5:22 AM
comment #62
cleansing diet
says ...
Now I just wish Martin Mull were in the movie. Cleansing diet
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