The Quest for Perfect Hair

Have you ever wanted to watch George Clooney trek through the 1930s south on a treasure hunt with two other convicts? If so, this is a film for you. Ulysses Everett McGill (George Clooney) the intellectual and well-spoken convict is joined by two less educated convicts Pete Hogwallop (John Turturro) and Delmar O’Donnell (Tim Blake Nelson). These three convicts set out to find a 1.2 million dollar treasure but are mysteriously warned by a blind prophet that “the treasure you seek shall not be the treasure you find.” In the opening credits of the film, it claims that the story is based on “The Odyssey” by Homer. For those who don’t remember reading this epic poem in high school, it is the journey of a Greek ruler and soldier Odysseus, whose Latin name is Ulysses (Coincidence? I think not) trying to make his way back home. Just as Odysseus encountered oracles, sirens, and a Cyclops, the three convicts in O Brother, Where Art Thou? do as well, only in a more modern way.

 The movie is set during the Great Depression in Mississippi, which is also where most of the filming took place. The cinematography by Roger Deakins captured the 1930s feel through long shots of fields, dirt roads, and lonesome buildings. This film is famous for using color correction to give the film a sepia-toned look, adding to the old timey feeling that the film was trying to send out. Costume design also played a huge role in recreating the state of Mississippi during that time period. The film was directed by Joel Coen and produced by his brother Ethan, who often work together in films. Some of their work includes Fargo, The Big Lebowski, and Unbroken which just came out last year.

While “The Odyssey” is an epic, O Brother, Where Art Thou? chose a more comedic route, lacing the adventure of those three stooges will funny dialogue, fighting, and ridiculous action. But when I say that there are three stooges, I should be more honest. It’s really two stooges and Everett.

 Everett, Pete, and Delran compliment and contrast like fire and ice. It becomes clear fairly early on that Pete and Delran are foils to Everett. Everett constantly makes fun of religion while the other two run to get baptized in a lake. Everett’s educated way of speaking and his obsession with his hair very clearly separate him from the country bumpkins, and also adds some comedy. An example occurs when Everett is arguing with a store owner who doesn’t carry the pomade he favors. After being told that the store only carries Fop, Everett responds: “Well, I don't want Fop, goddamn it! I'm a Dapper Dan man!”  Everett and Pete clash multiple times throughout the film while Delran stands around as a bystander until the conflict is settled.  These conflicts and the condescending manner in which Everett speaks to his “friends” calls their friendship into question. Are the three are really friends at all, or does Everett just consider the convicts an end to a mean? Disappointingly, that is a question I think the film doesn’t ever answer. Regardless of that, Clooney, Turtorro, and Nelson all do a great job bringing those characters to life. Joining those actors is Holly Hunter, John Goodman, and Charles Durning in supporting roles.

This film also received a lot of praise for the soundtrack. The Coen brothers aimed to make the soundtrack a part of their movie rather than simple background noise and the music definitely leaves that impression. The CD of the soundtrack was certified platinum eight times over as of October 2007, selling almost eight million copies. The songs in the movie cover many genres such as bluegrass, country, gospel and more that each do a fantastic job of placing the audience in the 1930s. The soundtrack received three Grammies: Album of the Year (2002), Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, and Best Male Country Vocal Performance. Watching the film, the music really adds another element that other films lack. Rather than using music as a noise to fill empty space, O Brother, Where Art Thou? used music to enhance the viewing experience and it truly works.

Watching Everett, Delran, and Pete steal cars, get baptized, and sing their way through Mississippi was a great and enjoyable experience. The characters and addition of music made this feel almost like more of a musical rather than a movie. But don’t let that notion deter you, this revision of an old epic poem mixed with comedy and charisma is great for anyone looking for a fun movie.