Movies

This was one of the movies I watched that really opened my eyes to what film could be... not only does this film tell a hilarious story, it simultaneously conveys some of my own fears and doubts about the chaos and uncertainty of the universe around us in a way that is totally palatable. I saw this movie three times in theaters (it was free due to my employment at the theater, but still, that's a lot of time to spend with Larry Gopnik), and every time I was amazed by the new details I picked up... I also came to thoroughly enjoy watching the audience's reactions as the film came to a close, when, almost invariably, someone in the crowd would mutter disappointedly, "That was it?" while I sat there grinning ear to ear.

It's 1967 Bloomington, Minnesota. Larry Gopnik is a meek physics professor. His kids are annoying brats. His brother Arthur (Richard Kind) is an unwelcome house guest. His wife Judith wants a divorce. His student is constantly pestering him.The Coen brothers are skilled filmmakers. But not everything they do is always to my taste. And this movie doesn't speak to me. I'm not Jewish. I don't understand this character. I wonder if we're suppose to laugh at the guy. I'm certain not going to laugh with him. His patheticness is incredibly tiring. It's a dark comedy with few laughs. Mostly it left me scratching my head. I found watching this a rather frustrating experience as he is assailed on all sides. Everybody has a sad sheen of annoyed anger. It is beautifully shot, and expertly filmed. I just don't get this guy.

This film is about a physics professor and his trail of bed luck which leaves him on the verge of breakdown."A Serious Man" may be artistic but it is too plain. Watching a professor with so many problems both at work and in his marriage is not that interesting. The story is not engaging, and the way it is presented is not engaging either. There is no tension, no emotions or suspense. characters keep shouting "I haven't done anything" often, and I thought that's exactly right. As the characters haven't done anything, there is nothing in the plot that makes me want to watch it. At least they could have had done something to make me a little more interested. In addition, they really should have explained the Jewish traditions briefly as I was left confused about all sorts of Jewish terms. "A Serious Man" is seriously boring.