O Brother, Where Art Thou? - The Road To Redemption
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- Опубліковано 20 вер 2024
- This week's video essay is a look into Joel & Ethan Coen's O Brother Where Art Thou. The video focuses on the film's relationship to Homer's epic poem-The Odyssey, some of the changes that were made, and what the film can teach us about morality.
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"He came out at the end a changed man" - Highly subjective. In my book, he's still a Dapper Dan man.
“I don’t want Fop dammit, im a Dapper Dan man!”
This is by far my favorite movie all time. Every scene is great. The soundtrack matches some of the scenes so well. " well ain't this place a geographic odyssey... 2 weeks from everywhere! "
I think the line is oddity. But I agree wholeheartedly.
Yep. This is the Great American Movie, well, along with, well, To Kill a Mockingbrid, Raising Arizona, North by Northwest, Stripes, Casablanca, The Graduate, The Cowboys, American Beauty, Star Wars (the first three films are three parts of the same film), Chinatown, A League of Their Own (best line ever, "There's no crying in baseball") and Bull Durham (we're talking about America here, so we have to include a few sports movies), Ratatouille and Toy Story (ditto for animated), Apocalypse Now (ditto for war movies), Lost in Translation, Forest Gump, The Big Lebowski, Lonesome Dove (technically a mini series, but Duvall called it his Hamlet), Patton (George C. Scott was out of this world), Young Frankenstein ("Abby something... Abby Normal"), Best in Show, and Airplane (comedy is very hard, it takes a special kind of brilliance, and these are the funniest American movies of all time).
Oddity, not Odyssey.
@@freeheeler09 ah yes, ratatouille, the great american movie
Delmar speaking to George 'baby face' Nelson from the backseat as they race down the road and money is flying around the car; "friend ..your foldin' money has come unstowed".
Delbert... Really
*Delmar
A true classic. Sublime filmcraft. Thanks.
The soundtrack is my favorite
Nick Ciccone - Yeah, sweet American Heartland (C&W) with fiddle, mandolin, banjo, slide guitar and all the good stuff. Who doesn't like this. TONS of classic American rock bands used these sounds as part of their signature sound.
This movie is highly underrated. I can't believe it got such bad reviews. My parents and I have watched it so many times we've memorized almost the entire script.
It's the same reason Roger Ebert gave The Big Lebowski a thumbs down - he was comparing it to Fargo, their previous film which loved and thought it should win best picture. Because the story was so different, and the tale so shaggy, he just couldn't process it. Had The Big Lebowski been produced by someone completely different, I think he would have given it the positive review it deserved. So, that same logic applies to O Brother. It's quirky and funny... so ... not serious enough.
Pretty sure you miss-named Delmar and Pete at 1:24.
The editor mistake
Yep
This movie was one of the first DVDs my parents owned when I was growing up. I watched it countless times. I don't know that I would say it's one of my favorites to this day. But I will always have a special place for this movie and it has probably shaped my personal taste in movies more than any other.
One of my All-time favorites, & definitely my #1 Coen Bros film. I also think it's interesting to note how Everett's vanity via the Dapper Dan tins is what keeps the devil/man with the glasses on his tail throughout the film.
I love this freaking movie, i saw it when i was little kid.
Even before i could speak english, i used to sing "the song man of constant sorrow" with jebrish lyrics.
O Brother Where Art Thou is my favourite Coen Brothers film, and easily in my top 3 films of all time. This long-overdue video actually gave me some new perspectives into the film, as well as being highly entertaining. You just earned yourself a new subscriber!
I think Pete is the taller one, cause when Goodman's character kills the frog the shorter one says
"You don't understand. That's Pete.
The flood wasn't a mythical force, a valley was flooded during the construction of Arkabutla Reservoir.
Logical explanations can't meen that something isn't mythical... If you are following up the Coen's movies you understand that mythical things are the most Logical...and the logic is just a word without meaning
@@cinemania3846 I would argue that it wasn't very mythical because they mentioned it was going to happen earlier in the movie.
Well I guess we're living in the 'enlightened' future now ...lol...
I think this range of reactions to faith is part of the sweet subtle comedy
(In all miracles the exact timing is the key point, though...
Two things can be true..)
Ok Everett
then how the cow get on the roof
It sticks with me that the lyrics of Constant Sorrow reference meeting "on God's golden shores" which I connect with Penelope saying goodbye to Odysseus and meeting on the shores of river Styx.
One of my favorite Coen bro films, if not my most favorite. Thanks!
I still remember watching this movie for the first time, 20 some years ago. I was only 5 but still the images were burned into my memory. The baptism scene and the image of the crossroads will forever be ingrained in my mind.
I saw a good piece once on how Pulp Fiction is the redemption story of Jules.
Definitely, there's a lot of redemption in Pulp Fiction!
Great as always! Love the editing and of course the fresh insight such as symbolism that is definitely not far fetched but rather spot-on..
For film nerds: This was the very first film (Super 35mm in this case) to be fully scanned-in to digital, resulting in the very first 2K digital intermediate - and started a revolution (like the overuse of the infamous teal and orange look, not featured here). This allowed for full control of the color grading throughout and the often lush green vegetation and locations to be transformed into sun baked locations and a sepia-tone look.
Anyway: fantastic work and insight as always!
Thank you!
It really is impressive how important this movie is for the impact this movie had on modern filmmaking!
Jack's Movie Reviews - You are welcome! *nerd mode on* Well I just mentioned an infamous example (teal and orange look). There are a LOT of great examples how sophisticated digital color grading can be put to excellent use. It allows for a lot more freedom, creativity and results which were simply impossible before. This movie is (was) definitely a milestone. *nerd mode off* ;-)
It´s difficult to choose one favorite Coen Brothers´ movie, but it is. certainly a very pleasant one to watch.
Fantastic movie that I only actually got around to watching years after it's release. As you say, there are so many elements of it that are just really enjoyable and worth appreciating. Thanks for the video!
Fun fact- the guitarist is based off of Robert Johnson, a pioneer in blues and where the soul being sold to the devil trope originated from. They said he couldn't play guitar for shit then he left for a while and came back playing almost magically so that was their only explanation. Check out the song Cross road blues. U can really see his knack for guitar come out.
Good review. It made me consider thematic messages I hadn't before. I've probably watch this movie 25 times or so. I have, more or less, memorized the dialog, the best part of the production, in my opinion. Some of the dialog is killer, like the blind man's speech on the handcar, the drygoods store pomade/belt scene, Wash's horsemeat scene, etc.
The Coen Brothers doing what The Coen Brothers do best!
The quality of your videos has never stopped increasing, my friend! As always, this is an excellent analysis of a unique film!
One tiny criticism though:
Moral relativism is the view that there is NO right or wrong, which is not what you were talking about.
I guess "morally grey area" is what you had in mind, the lack of clear-cut line between right and wrong, and characters exhibiting both morally right and morally abhorrent qualities.
Constantinos Stylianou - please allow me to chime in. Of course you are right. Good and bad (or evil) is not clear cut and not binary. It has been debated since ancient Greece and India (and very likely before). But isn't that what Jack is saying exactly? "Bad" is often more about flaws and giving in to temptations and hubris (and no one is 100% "good" or altruistic either). Let's not get into Carl Jung.
Quote: "Everett isn't a good person, but he isn't a bad person either.".
You can go as far as saying: burning people alive because of peer pressure is not "bad" per se (something I do NOT subscribe to, but that's me - and my intention is NOT to prove you wrong in any way, just an extreme example). But absolutely: It is a gray area and the results should not be confused with the causes. I think we are on the same page here: Trying to see the big picture and remaining as unbiased as possible is definitely the right path. Anything binary (in this case) is plain wrong. The gray area though is highly debatable. I think Jack didn't contradict himself at all. But that's just my opinion.
Without wanting to insert too much pure philosophy into this, I think the point is this:
Moral Relativism (or Subjectivism) says: There is no single action that is objectively and universally right or wrong. If you find killing okay, then you're not wrong, just like if you find it morally bad, you're not wrong either.
I agree with what you say about the grey area, just as I agree with what Jack says about it in his video, but for that to become Moral Relativism we need some point in the film where something is considered good by some and bad by others, and the movie shows us that they are both right.
Right after the point you discussed, Jack says "While on the road towards redemption, he comes face-to-face with true evil". The concept of "true" evil in itself is impossible in the Moral Relativist frame.
I totally like Jack's take on this, I'm not saying he's wrong, but the term Moral Relativism is not what he was talking about, that was my nitpick.
Constantinos Stylianou - O.K. all is fine. I agree with your points.
Also: Very glad we agree and you understood that it was never my intention turning this into any kind of competition. No point anyway.
@Constantinos Stylianou
Actually, you're wrong about moral relativism. It doesn't mean that there is NO right or wrong. It means that the interpretation of what's moral is based on social, cultural, historical or personal circumstances and not on universal truths. In otherwords, it means that morals are based on personal experience. Which is closer to reality than most people would like to believe. The existence of religions shows man's own predilections to creating his own truths.
Your correction is right, I should've put "there is no *universal* (or *objective*) right or wrong", thanks for pointing it out!
But also, moral relativism makes a much stronger claim than the one you made. It's not merely the observation that people's moral codes will be informed by their cultural/personal experiences. That IS pretty much what reality looks like, as you said.
But moral relativism claims that those different moral codes cannot be judged by anybody else. What's right for you is right for you etc., something like food taste. According to subjectivism there is no universal set of moral values, so you can't judge somebody's moral views, you can't have progress etc., which is completely bollocks.
You HAVE to be able to compare people's moral codes against something like "You shouldn't kill (unless it's self-defense)" or "You should strive towards the preservation of yourself" or "You should try to always say the truth". According to subjectivism you can't have progress, 'cause there is nothing objectively true to move closer to. So slavery wasn't morally wrong, and the fact that now we don't have slavery is just different from before, not better. You see how relativism in morality, whether it's cultural relativism or subjectivism, breaks down easily?
Fantastic take on a fantastic movie! You're editing just gets better and better, love this channel
Great, one of my fav movies of all time.
Finally someone did this!
Enjoyed that, thank you. One of my favourite movies
Just found your channel today and I have to say I’m impressed. It’s obvious you put time into researching and editing and you make a high quality product. I hope for more great videos from you so you earned a subscriber
Another great one! What I want to interject is a thought I had about Everrett’s overall arc. While I would never seek to criticize the Coen Bro’s., I was never convinced he’d actually changed after the river dam baptism salvation scene. Pre-flood he’s talking to God and finally apologizing, then as soon as he’s up above the water he forsakes everything he just said and calls the flood that saved them a coincidence. So that sort of threw me. Phenomenal movie (and review!) regardless.
But then he saw the cow on the roof of the house as the prophet foretold, which makes me think Everett did change. I think it's intentionally vague so the viewer can form their own interpretation, the mark of a good film.
Another excellent commentary. You'd probably make a great film critic. Although, I don't listen to film critics these days. But, if you became one, I'd actually lend you my ear. Because you make a heck of a lot more sense than most film critics I've heard when it comes to understanding and interpreting films.
I've been planning on watching this for a while
You should check it out before watching the video (or if it's too late, check it out anyway!)
I love this film, one of my 'all time favorites'!!!!
A good example of neither Pete nor delmar doing anything wrong after their baptism is the scene where the group steals an apple pie off a windowsill, when the other 2 are running away delmar puts a dollar bill on the windowsill with a stone on top to weigh it down
Thought provoking video...nice job.
it's my favorite too!
You and your videos are getting better and better. I can't wait to see the next one
Next one is going to be different but I'm really excited to share!
Favorite movie ever
Another great choice of film with some fascinating insights, thanks once again Jack!! I could have sworn that you had done a video on Get Out, which I only just saw especially to watch your video, but I can't find it, so I guess I'm mistaken!!
One of the best movies of all time period
Fantastic review! "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" is one of those underated films. While it is not the best Cohen brothers film, it is a well crafted comedy about morality and redemption.
1. No Country for Old Men
2. Fargo
3. Inside Llewyn Davis
4. Raising Arizona
5. The Big Lebowski
6. True Grit
7. O Brother, Where Art Thou?
8. Blood Simple
9. A Serious Man
10. Burn After Reading
O Brother, Where Art Thou? is the name of the movie that the title character of Sullivan's Travel, wanted to make.
Thank you for your interesting videos!
More Joel & Ethan videos
he got the names wrong when he put the names for Dhelmer and Pete
I was just gonna comment that!
"Look at delmar as your paradigm of hope." U. E. McGill. "Yeah! Look at me." Delmar O'Donnell
'Mah hair'
'Mah hair'
Your next Coen Brothers video has to be Miller’s Crossing. Great analysis!
I second a Miller's Crossing analysis! I'd also be interested in one on Barton Fink.
my favourite movie of all time ♥
Great analysis! You also have a pleasant sounding voice, which really helps. Subscribed!
Top five Coen Brothers movies for me: 1. The Big Lebowski. 2. O Brother Where Art Thou. 3. Fargo. 4. No Country for Old Men. 5. Millers Crossing
Para mí es una película notable pero que no alcanza el nivel que exigimos a los Coen. Divertida y carismática, en parte gracias a George Clooney. Si, como a mí, te interesa la década de los años 30s y el sur estadounidense, es de obligado visionado. Por cierto, cuando los Traseros Mojados cantan "I Am a Man of Constan Sorrow" es un momentazo.
Este video me ha inspirado para redactar mi crítica, gracias.
Would love for you to do another Coen Bros' film and take a crack at Inside Llewyn Davis.
A masterpiece.
Welcome-Back-Jack!
great resume! wonderful!
Great review. thank you.
watched this for the first time yesturday
I'm readin' all these fine comments down herr in the accents you herr in the flickershow called 'Oh brother where are thou'.
It is because I'm a dapper dan mayn and I support pappi
Great analysis. This has been one of my least accessible Coen Bros movies, but I'll watch with new eyes after your video. I did enjoy parts and other parts not so much or not memorable. I still don't think it will rank higher than my favorites though. It's hard to rank, so I put them into 3 tiers. This is their top tier IMO. They never get tired. What's yours?
The Man Who Wasn't there
Inside Llewyn Davis
Fargo
Lebowski
Millers Crossing
great
Nice motion graphics in this one
Thank you!
Great video and channel!!! You should do Unbreakable someday.
Definitely a possibility!
Great analysis as always. Would you consider doing a video over the Coens’ Inside Llewyn Davis? It’s one of the best films to have come out in the past few years for me and I’d love to know your personal take on it.
Well done
For me it took Margaret Atwood’s insight in the Peneopiad to realise Odysseus wasn’t a nice guy but actually pretty much exactly like Ulysses E MacGill’s conniving manipulator…very charming and funny but actually a thorough scoundrel. I think even Homer was taken in by Odysseus’s charm and resourcefulness in a tight spot… The references to the Odyssey are legion in this film. Big Dan T is Homer’s Polyphemous the one eyed giant but instead being blinded by a burning log, Dan is killed by the falling burnjng log. The sheep hide disguises worn in the Odyssey to fool Polyphemous are KKK costumes in the film. The troubles encountered in the Odyssey are divine retribution for killing the sun god’s cattle, in contradiction of Tiresias the blind seer’s prophecy…which is why in the procession of the arrested bank robber at the end you hear someone yell COW KILLER! …and the cow in the tail of the procession moos. I think the sunglassed sherriff only ever seen at night with fire is Hades, god of the underworld - who Odysseus and his crew meet.
3:25 It’s not a toad, it’s a leopard frog
So , they went from one prison to a religious prison .
ever think of doing a Fargo TV video.
One of the best movie ever made
How coincidental, I just watched this
Perfect!
how do you know the dog is blind?
Its eyes.
Good video
Thank you!
“Say what line of work ye in George” as he genuinely passes his tommy gun.
Best cohen film ever
Okay, I saw the movie a while ago, but at 0:23 does the smoke go back into the train or is the clip in reverse?
The whole clip is in reverse, you can see the train going backwards as well.
I guess it's mirroring the narration talking about taking the Odyssey and "re-imagine something completely new"...
That's not a Toad, it's a Frog.
Cool
Am I missing a joke or did he get their names wrong
I don’t get it big Dan
PLZ MAKE A VIDEO ON #MOTHER! (2017)
Miller's Crossing!
1:25 mixed the names up
Iiiiiii I am the maaan of endless sorrooow.
1:24 You put the names in the wrong order
You got Delmar and Pete mixed.
could you guys suggest me some movies like this one, thank you
Disagree with the idea that odysseus has a different level of nobility to everett. Odysseus shares all of the poor qualities you mentioned
Agreed
Delmar and Pete are the other way around
Heh. First
But yeah, I love this movie.
Can you do Taxi Driver?
The flood could be seen as dans baptism as he accepted god into his life and changed his ways.
If you meant Everett I agree!
@@smiley27b yeah I forgot his name.
U got the companion names wrong pal
Is there a life lesson
Plz reply:
Hot Damn, it’s the soggy bottom boys!
Daniel Mendez they ain’t even old-timey
what about the ironic ending. thats not my ring
:D
...my hair
Soggy Bottom Boys
Jesus saves but george nelson withdraws!
It's good but it ain't the Big Lebowski
ContentOverStyle eh, the big lebowski is overrated
But then there was a lot about the Dude that didn't make a whole lot of sense to you..
I'm a Dudeist priest so I don't nor would I ever wanna talk poorly on the nature of the Dude
I didn't like this film to be honest