• Character-driven crime drama evocative of
classic film noirs
• Billy Bob Thornton gives a memorable performance
• Elegant black-and-white cinematography
Cons
• Might be too leisurely paced for some viewers
• Plot might not be tight enough for some
• Little action and stylized violence
The Bottom Line -
Billy Bob Thornton is memorable as a laconic, chain-smoking
barber in this evocative character-driven crime drama that is
reminiscent of the film noirs of the past.
Product Description
•
DVD containing the Coen Brothers' "The Man Who Wasn't There"
•
Stars Billy Bob Thornton as the laconic, cipher-like Ed Crane
•
Includes an audio commentary by Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, and Billy Bob
Thornton
Reviewed by Ivana Redwine
"The Man Who Wasn't There" DVD
Written and directed by the Coen brothers, "The Man Who Wasn't
There" is a crime drama that was shot in black-and-white. In
a Northern California town in 1949, Ed Crane (Billy Bob Thornton)
is a barber who is married to Doris (Frances McDormand), the bookkeeper
at Nirdlinger's department store. Ed suspects his wife of having an
affair with her boss Big Dave (James Gandolfini). One day in the barber
shop a traveler touts dry cleaning as an investment that will yield
big returns, and Ed hits on the scheme of blackmailing Big Dave to
get money to invest. Soon someone dies, and the hapless barber's actions
have put him on a long, dark road that has many twists and turns.
A sharp script, strong performances, elegant cinematography, skillful
direction, and an excellent musical score make for an evocative character-driven
movie reminiscent of the film noirs of the past. When I watched this
film at home on DVD, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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