Movie Review: O Brother, Where For Art Thou?

If you read my last two reviews, you'll see two important items that I feel I need to remit here. First off, I read some good books in college and whatnot--some that effected the way I percieve art. And two, that a great story stays a great story, you really have to bring something novel to it before I'll notice some intelligence.

The reason I bring this up, is because I was forced to read James Joyce's piece-du-resistance, Ulysees. I finally understood the concept of analogy through that work. I also learned that great literature is not always written well, but that's another story. This movie is the tale of Ulysees, complete with Cyclops and Sirens.

I also bring this up is that the original tale, the Odyessue is a great story, so it takes something really well worked before I'll take notice.

I did take notice, and it wasn't because George Clooney is proving himself to be a very good (looking) actor.

I had heard prior to the rental that this was based on Ulysees' tale and noticed that I quickly forgot that and really just watched the action unfold. It is something comedic, but in the oldest form of the term: it's not laugh-out-loud humor, it's more subtle and intellectual.

Three escaped convicts in the rural, depression era South get wound up in a governor's campaign while singing one of the best soundtracks in year's? I never would have thought. It's original, and should be rewarded as such.

The images are shot through a yellow-hued lense and the colors show a world that is borderline black and white. It's like watching a movie by candle light, very effective. There are several unique moments, like the camera riding the view from the top of a tsunami or the long tack the camera takes without edit before the closing credits.

A very good movie. You might even say, "it's bone fide."