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Howard Waldrop's novel 'A Dozen Tough Jobs' retells the story
of The Twelve Labours of Hercules in Depression era southern
USA. The Coen Brothers have borrowed this idea for their latest
movie (in which they transport the main elements of Homer's
Odyssey to 1937 Mississippi) and have produced one of the more
original and interesting films of 2000.
George Clooney stars as Ulysses Everett McGill, a convict who
escapes the railroad chain gang and sets off on a journey to
get back to his wife and family. He drags (literally) with him
fellow cons Pete (John Tuturro) and Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson).
Like his classical namesake, things do not go smoothly for McGill
and his gang, and they encounter all manner of weird characters
during their journey. These include a black blues singer (Chris
Thomas King) who has sold his soul to the devil, a one eyed
bible salesman (John Goodman), a corrupt Boss Hogg-like governor
(Charles Durning), a trio of beautiful women singing an enchanting
song, and a manic depressive bank robber.
As with other movies by the Coen brothers, this one works on
several levels. At first glance it is an entertaining (if not
a little bizarre) comedy with some great musical numbers. But
it is also an opportunity for the Coen's to pay homage to a
variety of aspects of our culture. There are the underlying
references to Homer's Odyssey (Ulysses Everett McGill, his wife
Penny, the Cyclops, the Sirens, the Lotus Eaters etc). There
is the movie's title, which is taken from Preston Sturge's 1941
production Sullivan's Travels (where the main character tries
to make a movie called O Brother, Where Art Thou?). Finally,
there are also comments about brand loyalty (McGill's obsession
with Dapper Dan hair pomade) and how our political system is
nothing more than a popularity contest.
The acting is generally pretty good, with George Clooney adding
yet another dimension to his expanding career on the big screen,
and excellent performances from the supporting cast. Along with
this, one of the surprising aspects of this film is the strength
of the musical numbers which are toe tappingly infectious. Plus,
there is some excellent cinematography which makes innovative
use of the landscape of the region.
At times, things get a little too bizarre, but overall, this
is enjoyable and has enough to make it worth seeing more than
once.
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