The worst films
to review are the ones that have nothing spectacular about them, surviving
merely on adequacy in order to make enough money in ticket sales to justify
calling it a success. These films are nearly impossible to review, mostly
because they are so boringly stuck in familiar formulas and predictable
character arcs. Reviewing Inside Lllewyn Davis is proving to be just as
difficult to review, but not for its lack of spectacular elements. The problem
with this film is finding a place to begin, with every scene of the filming
exuding confidence in filmmaking from every possible aspect. This may very well
be the most understated film of the year, though every bit as good as every
other film nominated for Best Picture this past Academy Awards.
I’ll use this as
my starting point for the endless compliments to the Coen brothers and the
overly competent cast and crew. Though Inside Llewyn Davis received few
nominations, Bruno Delbonnel’s spectacular cinematography was thankfully given
that honor. Every frame of this film is a near miracle in cinema, matched by
the Coen’s signature subtext-filled witty narrative. They implant a style of
humor that only they could accomplish in a film about the bleak globular
existence of a struggling artist.
That artist is a
folk singer living in Greenwich Village in
1961 named Llewyn Davis, played spectacularly by Oscar Isaac in minute facial
expressions and comic deadpan delivery. Then there’s the pain mixed with
purpose when he performs, his most significant song book-ending the film. But
this isn’t your typical inspirational struggling artist film, beginning with
the fact that Llewyn is a bit of an asshole. He is as successful in his music
career as a folk singer as he is in life, relying on the kindness of friends
allowing him to sleep on their couch. Life is a matter of survival between
chances to play his guitar, and that is only heightened when Llewyn discovers
that he may have impregnated his friend’s girlfriend (Carey Mulligan).
This film is
simple and understated upon first viewing, but it is so brilliantly constructed
that I found myself thinking about it for days after viewing it, feeling a
strong addiction-like desire to view it again. The DVD special features include
a behind-the-scenes look at the film’s musical collaborations, with a cast
including Justin Timberlake, Marcus Mumford and Punch Brothers.
Entertainment Value:
9.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 10/10
Historical
Significance: 8.5/10
Special Features: 6/10
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