Inside Llewyn Davis
Dir: Joel and Ethan Coen
Starring: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, and John Goodman
The Coen Brother’s have the uncanny ability of crafting
films about small moments in life, without the need for resolution or extraneous
explanation. “Inside Llewyn Davis” is a story on the surface about music but
beneath about the trappings of success and the pain of regret. Told with
precision and an expertise almost expected from the Coen Brother’s, the
emerging Greenwich Village folk scene of the 1960’s is seen through the eyes of
a struggling musician named Llewyn. His ambitions in life have been met with
less than expected results and in this moment, pivotal or otherwise, the Coen’s
build a sublime story.
To call Llewyn Davis’ (Oscar Isaac) musical ambitions a
disappointment would only be half the story. His personal life seems prime with
material for his folk narratives as he sponges off friends for a couch to lay
his head. Llewyn’s life gets only further complicated by the pregnancy of his
friend Jean (Carey Mulligan), a fellow folksinger who Llewyn has a history
with. Llewyn, waiting for opportunity to fall in his lap, wanders from one gig
to another carrying the baggage of his poor decisions along with his guitar
case.
The world, however unrealistic it may seem, is always a
ruthless place filled with cruel people in the Coen Brother’s work. The quality
of the characters in their films is reflected with a hapless characteristic;
lonely hero’s forced to embody heroic ideals. Llewyn is a difficult man, stuck
in a self-induced rut passively waiting for life to meet his expectations.
Though, if his life’s rewards were measured by his good deeds he shouldn’t be
expecting much. He impregnates his friend’s wife, yells at the supportive
couple that sheltered him, and heckles other artists during their performances.
Moments that offer Llewyn prospect for redemption pass by without
acknowledgement, they are mere regretful choices. Llewyn may be a jerk but he
is also a talented artist, truth worn into every verse of his songs and keen
cautionary insight offered for those listening. People who hear him sing admire
him, his music making them overlook his many faults. The musical performances
by Oscar Isaac are where the character of Llewyn comes to life. The lyrics displaying
the emotions he shelters so deeply.
The narrative, purposeful with its’ meticulous pace and
careful character development, moves along somewhat aimlessly amidst the
wonderful rendering of icy Manhattan in the 60’s. Set in the harsh of winter the cold seems a
reflection of the unsympathetic world that Llewyn has helped in creating. Jean,
a wonderful Carey Mulligan, has nothing but disdainful comments for Llewyn.
Though, even through the stinging remarks, Jean cared for Llewyn and the man he
once was, a person the audience is never introduced too.
“Inside Llewyn Davis” is a film about success and regret and
the faults and favors that go along with it. The Coen’s continue to fascinate
with this compelling and comedic story that is only further accommodated by the
amusingly complex characters of Llewyn Davis.
Monte’s Rating
4.25 out of 5.00
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