Simplicity

So, five months after my initial review, I find myself revisiting the Coen Brothers’ “A Serious Man.” The first viewing left me in a state of befuddlement and I spent nearly a month formulating an opinion on the film. Now, after a third viewing of the film, I can say it ranks very high in the quirky brothers’ distinguished filmography. Ultimately, in my opinion, the key to understanding the film comes from the Jewish adage which opens the film:

“Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you.” – Rashi

This wise adage can be applied to the unfortunate incidents within the life of Larry Gopnik, the film’s main character. Larry, a physics professor and devout Jew, finds his life spinning out of control as his wife divorces him, a disgruntled student bribes him for a better grade, and his eccentric brother Arthur moves in with the family. As the film progresses, Larry’s problems only worsen. His redneck neighbor disregards Larry’s property line. Larry’s son, Danny, complains about the fuzzy television, while his daughter, Sarah, is secretly planning to get a nose job.

Dumb-founded by his recent string of bad luck, Larry seeks help from his religion, his lawyers, and colleagues. Each gives him advice, most of it helpful, but Larry still cannot find any answer to his sufferings. The Junior Rabbi tells him to simply enjoy life and appreciate all that God has given us. For example, “just look at the parking lot.” Another Rabbi tells him just to wait it out. All of your problems will soon disappear, “kind of like a bad toothache.” The final, and most well regarded of the rabbis, gives the simplest response: “be a good boy.” Larry heeds their advice, but fails miserably in trying to apply them to his unfortunate circumstances.

While the Coens seem to recognize the wisdom in the rabbis’ advice, they also realize that life is unpredictable and that, while this advice can certainly help one’s life, it ultimately has no bearing on one’s fate. In other words, good works, although admirable and even integral to flourishing of the human person, do little to prevent bad things from happening to you. This theme pops up several times in the Coens’ filmography. In 1996’s “Fargo,” the good will of a chirpy police officer fails to prevent crime from pervading a good-natured Midwestern town. In 2007’s “No Country for Old Men,” the violence of the new world outmatches the skill of an old, moralistic deputy.

As the amoral Anton Chigurh, the crazed serial killer in “No Country,” exclaims with dry certainty, “You can’t stop what’s coming.”

This sentiment is played with throughout “A Serious Man.” As Larry melts down, he searches for answers in religion, tradition, and even physics. But, ultimately, he lives in a world of unpredictability. While he can try to ascribe meaning to all the unpleasant parts of his life, while he can think that he is being punished for some moral wrongs, while he can valiantly try to incorporate a set of principles into his everyday, these actions have absolutely no meaning when confronted with the unpredictability of fate.

Thus, if there is a God, we do not know the method to his madness. Therefore, we must live our lives to the fullest. We must make the most of our circumstances and work to improve the lives of those around us. We must not overcomplicate the nature of our existence. And, perhaps most importantly, we must appreciate what we have been given.

But, at the end of the day, we have no idea if our actions take on any greater meaning. So, ultimately, it doesn’t matter if Larry accepts or denies the bribe from the disgruntled student. While this action is – and should be – important to Larry’s individual moral character, his life does not depend on it.

The tornado of fate can intervene at any moment. It can ruin your life with one swift blow. It shows little concern for you well being. You can’t make a deal with it to ensure your safety. You can't lessen the effect of its deadly blows.

You can’t ignore it. You can’t fight it. You can’t stop what’s coming.

Do you have any thoughts on "A Serious Man?" Race to the comments to leave your interpretation of the film's meaning.

Coming Soon to "Cinema Soup"

After months of being constantly busy, I now find myself with a good chunk of free time. So, hopefully, my blog posts and reviews will be more frequent. I've decided that I can't just write reviews. This blog needs a bit more....variety! So, I've decided to add a couple of features that will hopefully shake thins up a bit.

So, what's coming soon to Cinema Soup?

• Well, I hope to write features on my favorite actors and directors to take a more extensive look at their filmographies.

• I also plan to give a list of films I'm looking forward to in 2010. A "Preview" list of sorts.

• And I'll possibly even talk about the latest movies news. That is, if it interests me. I'm not a huge fan of blogs that report on all the latest casting rumors, sequels, etc. After all, I enjoy talking about movies, not bazillion dollar franchises.

Other than that, expect more of the same. And remember this blog was created to start film discussion. Lately, it seems like I've just been talking to myself. So be sure to let your opinion be known in the comments section. As my corny tag line notes, this blog is supposed to be a "hearty feast of film discussion." Gosh, who writes this stuff?

"Shutter Island" Review

“Shutter Island,” a psychological thriller from director Martin Scorsese (“Taxi Driver,” “Goodfellas”) is a suspenseful, surprisingly layered, entry in the acclaimed director’s dense filmography. Through a masterful mix of sight and sound, Scorsese creates a film that works both as an entertaining mystery and a complex examination of a troubled character.

The film, based on a novel by Dennis LeHane, follows US Marshall Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) as he investigates the disappearance of a female patient from an insane asylum found on a mysterious island. With help from his partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), Teddy questions the asylum’s employees, patients, and doctors. After conducting interviews, Teddy finds that no one is revealing any significant information. Even the asylum’s head psychiatrists (Ben Kinglsey and Max von Sydow) remain allusive. This suspicious behavior causes Teddy to believe they are hiding something

The biggest mystery, however, lies within Teddy himself. Teddy is a complex and interesting character. While he disguises himself as a confident, aggressive figure, he bears many emotional scars. Through Teddy, Scorsese explores the connection between masculine aggression and vulnerability. Unfortunately, the film’s twisty plot prevents the audience from truly investing in the character until the last twenty minutes.

Thankfully, when Teddy’s full story is finally revealed, it makes up for many of the film’s early failings. Unlike most plot twists, the one in “Shutter Island” makes the film less convoluted and more character-based. So, when the film’s twist finally reveals itself, it deepens the story, instead of muddling it with inane details.

Thus, “Shutter Island” achieves a level of gravitas while still functioning as a fast-paced thriller. Scorsese delightfully plays up the film’s thrilling sequences without compromising the film’s integrity as a work of art. Many of the film’s best scenes reveal character detail while still keeping the audience on edge.

Scorsese also shows his directorial finesse through his ability to establish and sustain an atmosphere of constant fear and anxiety. For example, the film opens with Teddy and Chuck sailing towards the asylum. The camera turns to reveal the island, shrouded in an immense fog. As the two partners sail closer, the film’s musical score intensifies. Purposefully loud and ominous, it creates an eerie, unsettling atmosphere for the rest of the film.

Adding to the character depth is the ensemble of performances from a host of renowned character actors. From Ben Kinsley as the asylum’s head psychiatrist to Patricia Clarkson as a crazed patient, each supporting cast member is given an opportunity to develop an interesting side character.

Scorsese, however, is the film’s true star. He deftly commands the screen with great skill and precision. While “Shutter Island” may not rank as one of his best works, it still remains a masterful achievement.

B

Yes!

A truly deserved win! And, not to brag, but I said that "The Hurt Locker" was a great film back in July. Y'know, during the summer, when I urged you to go out and see it. TOLDJA!

Okay, I'm done now. I promise I won't talk about "The Hurt Locker" again for a long time. Promise!

Congrats Kathryn!

As for the rest of last night's Academy Awards, it was mostly hit and miss. Hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin made a valiant attempt to bring some humor to the night's proceedings, but were unfortunately marred by sluggish pacing and unfunny jokes.

But, in the end, it's about the movies. And while the ceremony as a whole was so-so, seeing Kathryn and her team win for such a great movie was both exciting and moving.

A true triumph for art. I'll leave it at that.