The Coen Brothers: 5 Neglected Movies

On December 6th, Joel and Ethan Coen release their 16th feature film:  "Inside Llewyn Davis."  Will it be a big hit, or a cult oddity?

Their fascinating, eclectic career includes both.  I tend to like their more obscure movies, the box office failures, the "off year" titles.  

Here's a list of my 5 overlooked favorites.  Only one grossed more than $10 Million domestically and none were Oscar winners.   

5.  "Intolerable Cruelty"  2003

If you're not familiar with the Coen Brothers, this is a gateway into their world.  Not one of their best, but the banter and retro charm elevate it above similar movies in the genre.  The Coen Brothers picked up "Intolerable Cruelty" when their previous film abruptly fell apart.  They were in pre-production on an adaptation of James Dickey's "To the White Sea" starring Brad Pitt (download the screenplay here).  The estimated costs ran over budget and an agreement with the distributor could not be reached.  As a result, they needed a new project.  Hence this silly, conventional romantic comedy.  Because of the star power, this is one of their highest grossing movies, yet most people forget this is even a Coen Brothers film.  It's one of the few movies where the Coens share writing credit, on a story not originally from their imagination.  The cast have a great time, especially George Clooney at his most Cary Grant.  

4.  "Barton Fink"  1991

It's hard to imagine "Barton Fink" neglected as it's one of only 10 American Films ever to win the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.  It's even been referenced on "The Simpsons."  Yet I'm always amazed at how many people - even cinephiles and Coen Brothers fans - who confess to having never seen it.  It's definitely a difficult movie, as it's subject is the dark mind of the writer and the act of creation.  Essentially a surreal horror comedy, "Barton Fink" is the Coen Brothers most abstract film.  And yet it's filled with their signature witty lines, hilarious characters and formal beauty.  This story of a New York City playwright who meets the great Hollywood Nightmare is essential viewing for anyone wishing to work in the entertainment industry.
 
3.  "The Hudsucker Proxy"  1994

"You know, for kids."  At their most absurd and clever, this is the epitome of the Coens' synthesis of style and wit.  The screenplay was actually co-written by Sam Raimi, who adds an even more bizarre sense of humor.  The result is like a classic episode of "The Simpsons" right down to the Mr. Burns-esque corporate mentality.  This movie might be The Coens' closest relative to "The Big Lebowski" in terms of wordplay, off-the-wall oddity and Hollywood references.  The Coens' love for old Hollywood is visible in every movie, and especially detailed here.  It almost feels like every line is taken from the Golden Age.  And the production design is breathtaking, with art deco skyscrapers creatively imagined from the dungeon-like mailrooms to the inner workings of a clock tower.  Take it all in because it needs redeeming.  Even with Tim Robbins, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Paul Newman, "The Hudsucker Proxy" is The Coen Brothers' lowest grossing movie to date. 

2.  "Blood Simple"  1984

The template for how to make an independent movie, "Blood Simple" won the Grand Prize at Sundance in 1985.  One of the most impressive debut films by any director - it almost seems unfair because there's two of them.  The first image of a deserted highway set the tone for an entire career, including it's unofficial and unrelated companion piece "No Country for Old Men."  Featuring beautiful neo-noir cinematography by Barry Sonnenfeld, "Blood Simple" is innovative in style, yet traditional in its themes of sinners and justice.  And no one gets away clean.  It undoubtedly influenced Tarantino, Scorsese, and most recently "Breaking Bad."  At times violent, at times quirky and hilarious, this is the ultimate Coen Brothers universe.  It's Texas, it's America, and it's pure cinema.

1.  "The Man Who Wasn't There"  2001

I'll always hold a special place for this one, as I worked on the movie's marketing campaign, designed the official website, attended the premiere, and even personally interviewed the Coens.  Yet it's the movie that endures, and it is timeless.  And unappreciated.  Probably because of the black and white period setting and the ambiguous title, "The Man Who Wasn't There" is still searching for an audience.  A classic California film noir, it tells the story of a post-WWII barber caught in the malaise of middle-age.  As Tony Shalhoub nearly steals the show, Billy Bob Thornton gives one of his best performances opposite many talented actors including a virtually unknown Scarlett Johansson.  Check it out, along with one of the most beautiful trailers of all time: