I heard a lot of bad things about this movie and thought one time about not watching it, my curiosity got the better of me and I rented it yesterday. I am so glad that I did I loved this movie. I learned a lesson I should have learned many years ago, don’t believe everything you hear.

O Brother Where Art Thou
Written and directed by Ethan and Joel Coen the two brothers also did Fargo and Raising Arizona among others. They succeeded in making this movie a success though not at the box office. Based loosely on the Poem, the Odyssey by Homer. They brought it together in the setting of the great depression and did a good job as far as I can tell. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. The movie takes place in Mississippi.


Partial Listing of the Cast
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George Clooney……………Ulysses Everett Mcgill
John Turturro………………Pete Hogwallop
Tim Blake Nelson…………..Delmar O’Donnell
Michael Badalucco…………..Babyface Nelson
John Goodman……………….Big Dan Teague
Chris Thomas King…………..Tommy Johnson
Holly Hunter………………….Penny Wharvey
Charles Durning………………Pappy O’Daniel


Plot

Three men from a chain gang in Mississippi escape and head for a treasure that Everett (George Clooney) has told the others about. He is chained to Pete (John Turturro) and Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson). The three men run into all kinds of trouble along the road to the treasure they were seeking. One of the funniest scenes was when they wake up from a drunk after being seduced by three sirens. They soon discover that all that’s left of Pete is his clothes. In the clothes they discover a frog, who they believe is Pete. Their misadventures are a delight to the senses, from their singing as the Soggy Bottom Boys to running into Babyface Nelson. They eventually meet up with Tommy Johnson who thinks he has sold his soul to the devil to become a singer. While the boys are hiding out and getting into mischief their song is becoming a hit all over the counties.

Character Development
Everett played by George Clooney was the hit of this movie, not his looks so much as the rakish air he had that reminded me of another actor named Clark Gable, weather this was intentional or not I don’t know. I do know that Clooney carried it off with grace and elegance.

Pete (John Turturro) plays a heavy of sorts, wanting to take charge and showing a little more sense then his friend Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson). Delmar was absolutely hilarious and a perfect foil for Everett and Pete.

John Goodman as always in my opinion was great but the part he played was lacking in any real substance although he was the perfect bad guy. He fit right into the KKK.

Costumes and Scenery

The costumes and scenery were right for the depression years. From the radios that were placed in livingrooms, to the chain gang outfits. The overalls were just the right touch. Many men wore them during the depression especially in the country.

Holly Hunter who played Everett’s wife was dressed perfectly with her little frock and hat. The role was a small one for the actress but she carried it off with grace.

Music

The music held my attention and took me back to the early fifties where I used to listen to my mother and her family play Gospel and hillbillies songs as we called them. The music for O Brother Where Art Thou was some of the best of the style it represented I have heard in a long time. Chris Thomas King wrote some of the original songs.

Conclusion

I wasn’t expecting to be entertained like I was. The movie was funny and refreshing in a different way. The actors were perfect and the music was great. See this movie, I intend to buy it. I really believe that this movie will become a classic.

Rated PG 13.






Recommended:
Yes

Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older