O
Brother, Where Art Thou, stars George Clooney as the smooth-talking
Everett Ulysses McGill, dim-witted Delmar played by Tim Blake Nelson, and
the third Mississippi chain gang escapee John Turturro as Pete. A black
musician, Tommy Johnson (Chris Thomas King), join them on their journey
to freedom. The tale of their adventures as the four men search for a hidden
treasure during the depression is exciting, hilarious and thought provoking.
I've heard tell either you love O Brother or hate it. As for me, I could watch it more than once to uncover hidden messages that were intentionally buried within the dialogue. This slapstick comedy for adult viewers, due to the language and violence, will make you smile and gasp in horror.
The opening screen says, "Based upon the story of Ulysses by Homer," and hints at the undertones of philosophy and deep meaning within the story line. Some song titles include: A Blind Man's Prophecy, Betrayed By A Hogwallop, Redemption, Crossroads Minstrel, Dreams And Plans, Blind Bard, Wandering Homeward, Song Of The Sirens, Lesson Of The Cyclops, and Homecoming. Without giving away all of the plot, Everett and his partners escape the chain gang, meet up with a bible salesman Big Dan Teague (John Goodman), a bank robber (Michael Badalucco), and women washing their clothes in the river. Everette's wife Penny (Holly Hunter) has her own agenda and is key to the plot. In addition, the three men find themselves in the middle of a political campaign between Governor Pappy O`Daniel (Charles Durning), and reformist candidate Homer Stokes. They are followed by the law, played by Cooley (DANIEL VON BARGEN), and somehow cut a country record in the journey.
If you like country blues, then you will definitely enjoy the tunes by T-Bone Burnett flowing throughout the script moving us from scene to scene. I knew I'd love the music when they played "Big Rock Candy Mountain," and other mountain music, delta blues, and gospel tunes.
O Brother earned Academy Award Nominations for Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography, plus a Golden Globe Award for George Clooney as Best Actor.
Length: 103. It came out on video Jun. 12, 2001 and was directed by Joel and Ethan Coen.
Catch samples of the music:
http://studio.go.com/movies/obrother/html/index.html
Review by Debby Bruck
To become a member of the Carolina Health & Humor Association, give a gift membership, register to attend the Certified Humor Presenter Workshops, or donate to the Carolina Health & Humor Association, please use the Membership/Registration form.
Ruth Hamilton
105 West Hwy. 54, Suite 265
Durham, NC 27713
Phone:(919)846-5739, fax(919)544-9627
e-mail: cahaha@mindspring.com
Web address: http://www.carolinahaha.org
Back to the Carolina HA HA Home Page