DVD Release Date: February 9, 2010
The Coen Brothers go return to their roots in A Serious Man. Since 1984 these two creative native Minnesotans have made nearly a dozen classic movies. Last year's A Serious Man is unique with its glimpse into the evolution of the "two headed director". Set in suburban St. Paul (where they grew up), audiences experience a different time, place, and for many a foreign culture. A Serious Man is a comedy that showcases their film making genius from start to finish. Along with wacky dream sequences there are many consistent components in this that are present in all Coen Brothers films. The greatest achievement which reigns true in all of their films is their careful and superb use of ambiguity. There are countless surprises carefully woven into the plot to keep our minds involved throughout the film.
The Gopnik family is not boring or predictable. Set in the late 60's this Jewish family makes the Arnold family of The Wonder Years look truly square. Acclaimed theatre actor Michael Stuhlbarg plays the father, Larry Gopnik, in what should be his coming out party to the film world. Larry has many roles, many of which are rapidly changing during A Serious Man. He is the father of two adolescents, part of a "marriage", professor at a university, and a loving brother. As the story progresses we see that the mutations in Larry's life are beyond his control. He often relies on outsiders for guidance. Rabbis, lawyers and friends prove to be little help for Larry who eventually finds support from his neighbor. The film depicts the struggles within him to retain and abandon parts of his identity.
One of the most interesting relationships in A Serious Man is between Larry and his brother Arthur, played by Richard Kind (Spin City, Curb Your Enthusiasm). While Kind doesn't play the clown like caricature that made him famous, he reveals a darker disturbed side in a subtle way. The two brothers are troubled in different ways but their support for one another never fades. They both follow Jewish traditions which are a needed source of stability as more than their address changes. Rational thinking and mathematics connect the brothers more than other characters. The interaction between them is natural which gives it power.
Open auditions made the Gopnik children authentic. Their screen time's content is an accurate reflection of the time. Pot, pop culture, rock and roll, and rebellion are examined intently in A Serious Man, just as they were under the microscope in the late 60's. Adam Arkin is hilarious as the lawyer, and the subplot with a South Korean student is also hysterical. The climax of the film is the bar mitzvah scene. As it often is, the evolution from boy to man is amusing. Staying true to their formula, the Coen Brothers save the best for last. Similar to Blood Simple and The Big Lebowski, the ending lets it all comes together. What is left to the audiences imagination is crucial to the films success. Ethan and Joel end A Serious Man with bold decisions being made by different characters. Like in life some of these actions are dictated by people and others are not.
3 out of 4
(Review by Thomas Demerath)
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