In 1937 Mississippi, three convicts escape the chain gang and
pursue a treasure while fate seems to constantly get in their way. COMEDY/CRIME
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O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)Written and Directed by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
Starring George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, John Goodman, Holly Hunter, Charles Durning, Chris Thomas King, Wayne Duvall, Michael Badalucco Based on The Odyssey by Homer Oscar Nominations - Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography |
I never thought anyone could take The Odyssey and craft a wonderful comedy from it. Of course, the Coens seem to exist only to shake up the norm of screenwriting and always serve up an enjoyable film. O Brother is one of their best, being as it's their final outing with John Turturro and their first with George Clooney.
The Coens take various elements from The Odyssey, such as the Cyclops and the Sirens, and translate them to the deep south in 1937. John Goodman plays Big Dan Teague, a psychotic with one eye (Cyclops) and at one point, the boys stumble upon three bathing women who seduce them (Sirens). This script is nothing short of a masterpiece, with every line being either a side-splitter or a throwback to the legendary epic poem. I know I've said this many times, but I am still continually surprised by how the Coens keep setting bar after bar with their work. They are truly geniuses. |