Inside Llewyn Davis

8/10

I went with a group of friends to watch Inside Llewyn Davis, a period drama set in the early 60s about the eponymous folk singer-songwriter. The reviews were mixed. The first school of thought was that the film was slow and filled with melancholy, a meandering and ultimately depressing view of the struggle of Llewyn Davis (played by debutant Oscar Isaac).  The other school of thought suggest that the film captured a sense of the mood of its time, was supported magnificently by an excellent soundtrack and  maintained the quirkiness and symbolism that one would associate with a Coen Brothers' film.

I belong to the second school of thought. Isaac brings to life the angst and dogmatic worldview of the tormented performer, whose frustration at not having made his dream come true causes him to lash out at the people around him. The ensemble, which includes Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake, Garrett Hedlund, Coen Bros Favourite John Goodman amongst numerous other familiar faces, counterpoint Davis' angst by providing him with a swirl of different challenges and scenarios. The second half of the movie, while meandering, is infused with a rich symbolism and a sense of foreboding that leaves you unsure as to Llewyn's ultimate destiny.

From a Coen Brother's perspective, this film feel likes A Serious Man merged with O Brother Where Art Thou. What does this mean? Well, if The Big Lebowski is your frame of reference for what constitutes a good Coen Brother's film, then unfortunately this film won't meet your expectations. It's good, not great. Truth be told, the Coen Brother's haven't made anything great for quite a long while.

This movie is worth a watch if you're an art house snob (like me) and love the Coen Brothers (like me). If not, you're probably better off watching the new Robocop.

12 Years A Slave

9/10

Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave is a gripping and brutal film detailing the story of Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free man living a successful and happy life in liberal state of New York during 1820s, who was abducted and sold into bondage where he spent 12 years as a slave.

It's a pretty simple premise vividly brought to life by Steve Mcqueen, who infuses this brutality with a cinematic beauty that I have not seen for years. The cinematography is nothing short of spectacular, acting as an emotional counterpoint that sensitizes the audiences to the brutal treatment. In addition, the use (or non-use) of sound adds real drama to the unfolding events. Ejiofor is outstanding as Northup, truly bringing to life the pathos of a man who must submit to injustice in order to survive and see his family again. Michael Fassbender and Benedict Cumberbatch bring different sensitivities to their portrayals of the owners, but it is Fassbender's characterization of the cruel Epps that really brings home the insane sense of possession that Slave owner's felt over their property.

The film has widely been praised and is a front runner to sweep the Academy Awards. I feel that these kudos are well deserved.

Highly Recommended.