THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE

THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE	2001
This film by the Coen Brothers, and "Mulholland Drive" by David Lynch, shared the Best Director's award at this year's Cannes Film Festival in May. Coincidentally, both films are attempts to recreate the genre known as film noir...the stylistic and dark, detective thrillers of the '40s and '50s."The Man Who Wasn't There (the title says it all,) was written by the directors, Joel and Ethan Coen, and it could just as easily have been written by the master of this type of story, James M. Cain ("The Postman Always Rings Twice", "Double Indemnity",etc.) Ed Crain, a non-entity and a barber, walks through his life and his town as though he were a ghost. He has no affect, no emotions, speaks very little, and when he does speak, he says nothing worth hearing. Then destiny puts him on a path that ends in blackmail, deception, suicide, murder, and surprise twists of fate. Brilliantly written and directed by the Coens, the film is acted by an ensemle cast that couldn't be better...Billy Bob Thornton, Frances McDormand, Michael Badalucco, James Gandolfini, and Tony Shalhoub. As film noir should be, it's filmed in the shadows, lights and angles of black and white photography. Have patience, because the story unfolds slowly, as did "Citizen Kane," "The Postman Always Rings Twice," and other classics. We'll be hearing more about this film at Oscar time.
5 Stars	NJB
Not only do the Coen brothers make great films, they make great different films. This time, the Coens tackle the dark film noir genre of the 40s, and they do it in a classy and beautiful black and white. Billy Bob Thornton is "just a barber" who triggers a domino effect of bad things when he concocts a plan to blackmail the man he believes is having an affair with his wife. Thornton's cool exterior and dead pan delivery perfectly combine to present a man that is just about dead inside. Frances McDormand and James Gandolfini are highly believable in the roles of wife and wife's believed lover, respectively. Also excellent is Tony Shaloub as the fast-talking defense attorney. If you're a fan of the genre or just in the mood for something different, make it a point to see this film.
5 Stars	CDF