O’ Brother Where Art Thou? (2000)
Homer’s Odyssey has been retold countless times. Luckily for us, the greatest adaptation to hit the big screen occurred thanks to the Coen brothers. (Small shout-out to Matt Groening for the Simpson’s version of The Odyssey - - the greatest adaptation to hit the small screen). The Coens wrote and directed this highly enjoyable film, which I believe was just as good as Fargo and The Big Lebowski (they made these three films back-to-back - to back … what a trifecta!).
Everyone knows the story of The Odyssey (or at least you should … it is required reading in just about every ninth grade English class in America). This version takes place in the deep south during the 1930s. Three escaped convicts (led by Clooney’s masterful portrayal of Everett Ulysses McGill) search for hidden treasures while running from a myriad of characters (a Cyclops, Sirens, a wannabe governor and his opponent, the KKK, a blind prophet, and George “BabyFace’ Nelson himself).
While the movie may belong to Clooney, who proves here that he is more than just a pretty face, the soundtrack is superb. I am not a big fan of country/bluegrass music but I was hooked after seeing the film and I immediately bought the soundtrack. T-Bone Burnett’s collaborative producing effort is perfect for this film. Who doesn’t smile when they hear The Soggy Bottom Boys cover of Dick Burnett’s classic “Man of Constant Sorrow” … I certainly do.
Although this film may not help your ninth grade niece ace a quiz, it sure is more entertaining than trying to read Homer’s epic (unless of course we are speaking of Homer Simpson!).
Homer’s Odyssey has been retold countless times. Luckily for us, the greatest adaptation to hit the big screen occurred thanks to the Coen brothers. (Small shout-out to Matt Groening for the Simpson’s version of The Odyssey - - the greatest adaptation to hit the small screen). The Coens wrote and directed this highly enjoyable film, which I believe was just as good as Fargo and The Big Lebowski (they made these three films back-to-back - to back … what a trifecta!).
Everyone knows the story of The Odyssey (or at least you should … it is required reading in just about every ninth grade English class in America). This version takes place in the deep south during the 1930s. Three escaped convicts (led by Clooney’s masterful portrayal of Everett Ulysses McGill) search for hidden treasures while running from a myriad of characters (a Cyclops, Sirens, a wannabe governor and his opponent, the KKK, a blind prophet, and George “BabyFace’ Nelson himself).
While the movie may belong to Clooney, who proves here that he is more than just a pretty face, the soundtrack is superb. I am not a big fan of country/bluegrass music but I was hooked after seeing the film and I immediately bought the soundtrack. T-Bone Burnett’s collaborative producing effort is perfect for this film. Who doesn’t smile when they hear The Soggy Bottom Boys cover of Dick Burnett’s classic “Man of Constant Sorrow” … I certainly do.
Although this film may not help your ninth grade niece ace a quiz, it sure is more entertaining than trying to read Homer’s epic (unless of course we are speaking of Homer Simpson!).
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