The Coen Brothers movies - How would you rank them? - Page 2

Walter Kittel · 10-02-2003, 04:16 PM

Genre films have generic elements, by definition. They work, at least partly, on the basis of their ability to supply the viewer with 'understood' concepts and by remaining true to the conventions of the genre. Films that communicate one intention and then fail to deliver can be very frustrating for the viewer.

Films that combine or cross genres, or that introduce elements outside the genre, work best when they clearly communicate their intent. The Big Lebowski is an example of a film that parodies noir and works exceedingly well because the distinction is obvious. There is no doubt about the filmmaker's intent.

For me, the lines are too blurred in The Man Who Wasn't There. The combination of classic noir styling, as exemplified by Deakin's cinematography, combined with the ironic, self aware tones of the Coen Bros. simply was an unsatisfactory combination. That tone, that I keep referring to, undermined any dramatic impact in the film. Their earlier noir, Blood Simple is a great neo-noir because there is menace, there is doubt, there is anxiety. These type of qualities are missing from The Man Who Wasn't There, IMHO.

For myself, in terms of dramatic or melodramatic content, emotional resonance almost always refers to empathy "Identification with and understanding of another's situation, feelings, motives."

BTW, I am definitely a genre purist, as George will attest.

- Walter.

Walter Kittel · 10-02-2003, 04:51 PM

I just wanted to add this point.

Quote:

This is a Noir, and Noir must have the certain elements that classic Noirs have. Otherwise, it is a failure."

I saw nothing in the film that led me to believe that the Coen Bros. were attempting anything more than to offer up an homage to the noirs of the 40s and 50s. On that basis, I am comfortable using the standards of those films as a baseline for judging the success or failure of The Man Who Wasn't There.

- Walter.

Rob Tomlin · 10-03-2003, 01:12 AM

Quote:

2. Blood Simple - Great neo-noir that combines tension and dark humor to great affect. Tempted to rank it #1.

Ok, Walter, since you were tempted to, but didn't, I WILL rank it number 1!

I personally feel quite strongly that Blood Simple is the best work the Coen's have done. Don't take anything away from it just because it was their first film!

#2 would be Fargo, followed by The Man Who Wasn't There at number 3.

The rest would be difficult to rate depending on the day you ask me.

Matt_Smith · 10-03-2003, 11:05 AM

Oh, man I love Raising Arizona!

Henry Gale · 10-12-2003, 11:13 AM

10) Intolerable Cruelty

JohnRice · 10-12-2003, 12:04 PM

Seems we have a

for Intolerable Cruelty.

Christ Reynolds · 12-16-2003, 08:36 AM

Barton Fink
Fargo
The Big Lebowski
The Man Who Wasn't There
Blood Simple
Raising Arizona
Oh Brother Where Art Thou?
The Hudsucker Proxy

and i havent seen millers crossing yet

CJ

Zen Butler · 12-16-2003, 01:14 PM

1. Blood Simple
2. The Big Lebowski
3. Oh Brother Where Art Thou?
4. Raising Arizona
5. Fargo

Have not seen the others. Keep in mind, this is a very tight 5 for me, I like them all very much. With the exception of Blood Simple, which I think is far superior than the rest.

Rain · 12-16-2003, 09:24 PM

1. The Big Lebowski
2. O Brother, Where Art Thou?
3. Fargo
4. The Man Who Wasn't There
5. Raising Arizona

Haven't seen the others yet.

Angelo.M · 12-17-2003, 03:28 PM

Very best (in order):

Miller's Crossing
Fargo
The Big Lebowski

Very good:

O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Blood Simple

Good:

Raising Arizona