The Coen Brothers rarely play by the rules. They’ve steadfastly done their own thing by discarding the usual storytelling formula. This has been a good thing as many of their movies have been classics. Inside Llewyn Davis is another film worthy of their talents. Full of unique energy and stylish wit by which they’ve built their reputation, it joins the pantheon of their work. Fans should find much to enjoy as it tells a tale that could only derive from the brothers’ imagination.
Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) is a folk singer struggling to eke out a living. Walking the streets of New York’s Greenwich Village in 1961, he aims to be heard. While attempting to break through, he gets by with support from friends Jean (Carey Mulligan) and Jim (Justin Timberlake). Their assistance makes his emergence in the music scene seem less stressful as various dilemmas test his ambitious resolve.
It’s a credit to the Coen Brother’s skills that Inside Llewyn Davis is so watchable. The main protagonist is such a glum person that you’d happily avoid him. That we come to understand his strange ways and the attitude of his friends speaks of the strong performances and script. Davis lives in a quagmire of personal regret and shattered dreams. His life is often a shambles and his failure to learn from his mistakes sees him doomed for endless failure.
Despite this rather depressing scenario, Inside Llewyn Davis has much humour. The quirky characters Davis meets on his travels and how they react with each other provide genuine mirth. Each character has their frayed existence without much care for the future. They live in their own version of the present with adventures from the past keeping them going. These elements are interwoven with some fine songs underscoring the dramas Davis continually goes through.
Once again a much different beast to their previous movies, the Coen Brothers hit another home-run with Inside Llewyn Davis. Whilst occasionally losing its way, it’s a continually fascinating look at some parts of the human condition we all hope to avoid.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Rating out of 10: 8
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