94% in Rotten tomatoes and many reviewers have given 5/5 to the movie so it has certainly gotten some recognition but maybe not so much in the mainstream level which is somewhat unfair indeed.
I loved this film so much, and I can't agree more. There can't be many (or any) finer performances from a non-speaking extra than this, he conveyed more emotion and more information simply by closing his eyes than most can through minutes and minutes of dialogue. Great song and great clip
"I earned the gear I was wearing" is the breakthrough line here, and is specifically the line that the father reacts to. In the most simple terms, it illuminates the moment in a man's life when he's at his most honest equilibrium, taking the exact amount as what he makes and not wanting more. It's the most pure feeling, and is always gone before you realize it.
Llewin believed that the father's expression was because he had recognized him and was excited, but in reality it was because he had shit his pants. The scene ends with Llewin calling for a nurse
I remember the feeling well; It was 2007. I was 19 yrs old, working as a construction laborer in Western Montana. My rent was $530 mo, split two ways. I made $11.50 an hour and had zero debt. To this day, I've never felt richer than I did in those times.
How he didn't win an Oscar for this performance is beyond me. This is so powerful. Edit: I'm not just talking about this scene but his performance in general in this movie Truly incredible!
@@kylelindberg7771 I'm talking about his performance in this whole movie. He is indeed a great singer and musician but his acting in this movie is incredible!
Lyrics: Oh, it was a fine and a pleasant day, Out of Yarmouth harbor I was farin' As a cabin boy on a sailin' lugger, For to hunt the bonny shoals of herring. Now you're up on deck, you're a fisherman, You can swear and show a manly bearin' Take your turn on watch with the other fellows, As you hunt the bonny shoals of herring. Well I earned my keep and I payed my way. And I earned the gear that I was wearing. Sailed a million miles, caught ten million fishes We were dreaming of the shoals of herring. Night and day the seas were daring. Come wind, oh come winter gale. Sweating or cold, growing up, growing old. Or dying. As we dream about the shoals of herring.
Don't know where this last verse came from. Made up by some script writer maybe? It's certainly not in Ewan MacColl's original song and four verses from the original were not included here, so frankly I don't see your point.
This reminds me of visiting my grandfather in his nursing home. I would either play guitar or we would listen to music on my laptop. He enjoyed the soundtrack to this movie a lot, even though he normally preferred classical music. He was one of my best friends
I remember visiting my father in a home and playing some of his favorite songs for him and seeing the enjoyment in his face as he listened. Thanks for sharing your beautiful memory and for helping me remember mine :)
This song is very beautiful and very sad at the same time. The shoals of herring symbolize the happiness we're chasing all our life. First, the boy is young, and he admires his father, then he grows older and becomes like his father. The sea they're crossing in search for shoals of herring is life itself with all its hardships and difficulties (the seas were daring). It's amazing how these four verses managed to describe the human lifespan. The time is running so fast, and we don't even notice that, we're just living our lives, "sweating or cold, growing up, growing old", and at the end dying... The song describes life as it is, and that's why it is so powerful.
The problem with people like me is that i take things/lyrics too literally. thanks for the added insight to this song. it makes it even that much more better
Well, the original song if you didn't know, was written by a Scottish folk singer Ewan McColl in 1963 (thereabouts), he interviewed the fisherman up along the north-east coast of England and rhymed the lines that they had said in the interviews. I don't know how it was marketed in Inside Llewyn Davis, I haven't seen it yet, but the original is essentially really only just about fish, i'm afraid! Not taking away from your interpretation of it though, nice way of looking at the song. hats off to you!
Thank you so much-you helped me understand this song so well-and why I cried the first time I heard it in the film and every time I listen to it since!
@@patrickhannon4217 That's interesting to know, because in the film it is mentioned that the protagonist recorded this song when he was a child, which would be impossible since it takes place around 1961-62.
@Stephen Dedalus, as a matter of fact now I think back to my original comment, I think we're both right, because when the song became popular Ewan MacColl (I spelt it wrong the first time, brain fart! LOL) would have been middle aged at that point, I googled it to remind myself (guilty!), he was alive from 1915 - '89, so your comment would make sense Honestly, I don't remember my thinking at the time of my original comment, I definitely remember researching it to get my facts straight, but maybe at the time I mixed up: when it was written VS when it was popularized... I don't know, it was a while ago. Thanks for the reply though mate
Ewan Maccoll wrote this song about the fishermen in Great Yarmouth (England) who worked the dangerous North Sea to fish for the Herring. This is a beautiful interpretation of the song.
this song gives me chills. I traveled europe, found a girlfriend, came back to the states and worked as a salmon fisherman in alaska. this song epitomizes the youthfulness of those times and archs to when those times run out and we are left with our memories
First time I saw this scene I thought that the father was basically disowning his son, turning away from him, showing absolute disinterest. But after watching the movie several times, I think that what this scene is showing is that Llewyn, despite what the critics say, *does* connect with his audience. Profoundly, in fact. If you watch his father with this in mind, you can see the feelings crossing his face, him relaxing (probably the reason he had an accident). When Llewyn says "Wow. Wow" I think he's realizing that he was able to connect to his father in a way that he hadn't in years or perhaps ever.Watching this now I feel a complex mix of hope, helplessness, loss, and acceptance. Hope because Llewyn connects, helplessness because he can't control who he connects to and who he doesn't, loss for all the words, affirmations or criticisms, that his father doesn't say and acceptance because I think it's here that he realizes that this is just the way things are.
I think when Matsuda is partially correct. The scene when dad turned his head and gazed out the window. His dad was a Merchant Marine and so was Llewyn. Dad was probably lost in a pleasant memory. As the song came to an end, dad dropped a deuce in this depends and killed the vibe.
Great to see so many people recognize the film and I think time has already proven the film to be a classic. What I really like about the film is how the Coens built the character and his journey. For all his struggles, one may feel great empathy towards him but if you step back a bit, you will also notice his personality (lack of long-term planning, too cynical at times etc.) may also be the cause of all his struggles. However, the Coens never gave a clear answer on how we should perceive this character, because as it is in real life, one cannot simply explain how one decision will lead to an outcome because it is never a linear relationship. Use the license as an example, of cause throwing it away at the mid-point of the film seems an awful idea and demonstrate how Llewyn has no plan in life especially when we know he needs it in the later part of the film, but if you are standing at his point of view, you understand that he sort of wished to bury his past. These kind of complexity of the character make us become more connected to the character. Besides, I always think of this film is a true depiction of "dream", most films depicted the journey of the main character, how they successfully overcome different hurdles in life to realize their dream. While this film coldly depicted the sad side of this dream chasing journey that most people don't succeed, no matter how much you dedicated to your dream. Yet, it also showed what dream truly is. Some films described the dream of the main character in a very fancy way like they want to change the world or whatever and they keep emphasize it is his/her dream throughout the film. While in this film, not once in the film did anyone say being a folk singer is Llewyn's dream, but when you listen to the songs Llewyn played, they are (in some way) about his life, he played folk songs since he's a kid. He is a folk singer not because he wants to be one but he HAS to be. Folk songs is his life and in his blood. No matter how he tried to escape from it (become a seaman), life kicks him back to it. He is nothing without folk songs. Pardon my english as it is not my native language and above may seems like gibberish but I can continue talk about this film for hours and I am sure most of you who love this film will share similar enthusiasm.
@gundabalf he's a jerk the whole movie. It's the double edged sword of being an artist. Alot of them have egotistical or crass personalities that betray their own pursuits alot of the time. This movie imo is the most accurate representation of 'the artist' I've seen.
As an musician, Ive picked this tune up and play it when then time is right. Its a serious song, does its job. If your in Sligo, you may hear it in the flesh, Best effort like...
This film introduced me to Dave Van Ronk, of course, but also the late great Ewan MacColl. Never knew how many of his songs I'd spent my life singing along to
Reminds me of my grandfather, especially when he was not well and he was dying. He was a fisherman in his younger years. I was there on his last day and just joked around with him like I usually would. Tennis was on, our favorite sport to watch together. A brilliant man who was one of the greatest writers that I ever knew. He was not a very open person, but his silence meant everything. He welcomed me into my family's home when I was left for dead. He did not need to speak to express his love. A troubled, grumpy old man who was hard to get through. Whenever I listen to this song, I think of him and want to cry.....
In my mind, this scene reinforces Llewyn's bitterness of his situation and how people think of him. In the same way Bud Grossman innocently and ignorantly tells him to get back together with his deceased partner (in Llewyn's mind, go and jump off the George Washington Bridge), this situation with his father (regardless of whether Llewyn managed to get through to him with the song or not) doesn't mean to have an accident in his company, but to Llewyn it's "here's what I think of you". He says wow, thinking "no one has ever told me 'you suck' like that before".
Duncan Thomson eh, dunno, man. It's a reasonable perspective, but the look on llewyns face would seem to fit perfectly with the traditional interpretation and be a stretch with yours. His expression says "holy shit. It's worse than I thought" as opposed to ""wow. this is a new level of criticism re: my performing". did you ever see 'a serious man'? (Just curious--your interpretation reminded me of it for some reason.)
If you have encountered people with dementia, response is at a minimum. His dad's look wasn't one of disgust, but neurons re-activating as he looks back in happiness that he heard such a beautiful song sung by his son. The looking out the window was him reminiscing the past and his face looking back at him wasn't pain, but relief. His 'Wow', was one of 'Holy crap, he's reacting'.
I think considering Llewyn's fairly frequent facetious reactions to serious situations (ie talking about flying cars when asked a frank question about his future, "you mean they wanna fuck jim" etc) it's a plausible way to look at it. People can look at the world like that sometimes, especially when you consider everything Llewyn is going through at that particular point in his life. So for him, interpreting what happened with his father in that way could almost be easier than accepting that his father was happy to hear his music; because no doubt Llewyn is feeling extreme guilt for not visiting his father enough, which considering his situation at that moment is simply too much for him to face head-on. Not so much straight-up bitterness, it's more a defensive sort of reaction. That's why I love the Coen Brothers' films, and in particular this one - you can dive deep and have a totally different perspective to someone else. I did see A Serious Man but it was very long ago, I need to make a point of watching it again
The most memorable scene in the movie for me. Barely spoiled by finding out that Ewan McColl wrote Shoals of Herring in 1961 (to a traditional tune, Shores of Erin). And Oscar Isaac does an amazing job.
According to Wikipedia it is a composite song. McColl was doing a project for bbc radio on folk song. And he was travelling up and down the east coast of England collecting tunes and lyrics which he cobbled together to make the song. It is based on a fisherman / folk singer from Great Yarmouth called Sam larner. If you listen to the music of those people you realise that (like the exec in the film) it probably isn’t marketable. So although the song has old roots it was kind of repackaged for a modern audience in the 60s
+Dink Martini Or sing *with* your family. That way you can bask in each other's mediocrity, that's what I do and it's fun. After all, isn't music a joyous expression of the soul?
Not very often is the perfect actor cast for a part. I cannot see anyone else playing Llewyn. The part is so beautifully played by Oscar, a career defining performance. Bravo Mr. Isaac, Bravo!
O it was a fine and a pleasant day. Out of Yarmouth harbour I was faring As a cabin boy on a sailing lugger. As you hunt the bonny shoals of herring. Now you're up on deck, you're a fisherman. You can swear and show a manly bearing. Take your turn on watch with the other fellows As you hunt the bonny shoals of herring. Well I earned my keep and I paid my way, And I earned the gear that I was wearing, Sailed a million miles, caught ten million fishes. We were dreaming of shoals of herring. Night and day the seas were daring. Come wind or calm or winter gales, Sweating or cold, growing up, growing old, or dying As we dream about the shoals of herring.
@@zootsoot2006This was written in the late 1950’s for a radio program called “singing the fishing” the blues influenced this not this the blues. The singer is an old retired fisherman in his late 60’s early 70’s who started learning his trade in the 1890’s when boats were still mainly sail powered with an auxiliary engine. He is recounting his life and the death of the trade he knew. Within 15 years the herring fleet would be tied up for a decade or more to let the stocks recover.
That's the recurring theme. Llewyn has massive talent, but he just can't make (or isn't allowed) the human connection. His estrangement from his father, his turbulent relationship with his sister, his resistant and spiteful "love interest", and his lost partner. He fails to "man up" and meet his child. His only connection is with the cat, which is pointed out early "is Llewyn". As much as he scorns the "squares," he only cares about himself and making money. At the end, when he finally lets go. When he reveals his torment and bares himself, his shadow comes out and kicks his ass, then leaves town. He takes his licks, finally learns the lesson, then the cycle starts all over again.
chris helms chris helms but that time, when the cycle is starting over again, he is able to leave the cat behind him, right. And in the same night a lot of journalists were at the Gaslight, doesn't Bob Dylan's appearance means that Llewyn may be able to make his so desired success?
Luciano Borges de Lima Yes, I believe he does remember to leave the cat (his ego) behind. We could assume that Llewyn, in a Groundhog Day fashion, might learn to correct or mitigate a new mistake each cycle, being an allegory for human growth in the face of suffering/struggle. Bob Dylan's appearance might just be to highlight how Llewyn was overshadowed. This also reinforces the core concept of folk music. The original artist is often buried/unknown and the famous folk musicians are famous for their personality, not their "creative" force (much of their music being borrowed or, in some cases, stolen). Of course, all of that is open for interpretation and personal viewpoint, hence the name "Gaslight".
@@dormetheus the cycle actually stops at the end but sadly so, typical Coen style. He closes the cat in the door, the paraphrase of the acceptance towards compromise; he sings out the final grief for his suicidal fellow, Bob Dylan would put end definitely to any musical career, he signed for an "average existance" working on a boat. Is that a "good" ending? Who knows, the only thing we know is that specific misery cycle ended that final day.
Ive never particularly liked this song but Noah Reid sings it so beautifully and with so much emotion and expression i love his rendition. Its my favorite scence from this show.
Yet another exquisite moment in an exquisite movie. I feel very sad for those that have never discovered this film or who don't "get it" - it is so rewarding to watch and rewatch and rediscover scenes and see how your reactions and observations change with each watching. I love that the Coens don't patronize their audience. Whatever meaning a moment or a scene has to them personally, they understand implicitly that what makes a scene powerful is ambiguity and uncertainty and give us the respect of deciding for ourselves what to believe about a scene or character.
Back in 2010 my dad was in an adult family home suffering from Alzheimer’s. I decided to bring my guitar one afternoon to play him a song. This scene destroyed me. Wrecks me every time but I keep watching. Hoping maybe it’ll turn out differently.
I think Llewyn is seeing here that he actually was connecting right along, but that his father had been doing what men often do, which is covering his deep and conflicting feelings with a mask of working man stoicism..I don't see this as a "downer movie" at all, and sense Llewyn, urged by life's buffetings, beginning to heal and slowly cracking and starting to emerge from his personal and creative cocoon at the end of the film.
I strongly disagree. This scene isn't much different from the Chicago scene. We the audience are connected and the cinematography would lead you to believe that his audience is as well, but that is not the case. He was shot down in Chicago being told that his act didn't look profitable and that he should get a partner providing insult to injury. Same thing here with his father. He pours his heart into the song and all he can say is wow at the end because his father was taking a shit in his pants. Insult to injury.
His father had a look of genuine enjoyment though. 1:28 I'm surprised people depict this scene differently. At the start, Llewyn says "you used to like this" and to me it seems like he did and does. Or maybe it was the look of pant-shitting, who knows?
I think people depict this scene the way it's supposed to be seen. I mean, at the end you see Llewyn's reaction, which is most people's take away from the scene. If you're surprised by their reaction, then you're also surprised by Llewyn's reaction.
When people ask me why I love Oscar so much I direct them to this movie. This is by far my favorite movie of his and the reason Oscar is my number one actor.
I had to take my guitar and play that one. Beautiful song and great rendition by Oscar Isaac. I feel much more connection to British and American folk music than to my country's (Eastern Europe).
So my thoughts on the ending, he is playing an old song that he knows meant something to his father, seeing if there are signs of emotion/ emotional connection. At one point he sees something rise, an emotion stirs but then his father pushes it away and hardens again. Llewyn senses this change and says 'wow' , that even with his best efforts he couldnt get to his father and realises it's a lost cause....
I have a collection of Criterion films I'm proud for having procured. Looking on the journey that brought all sorts of cinematic glory, encountering this one over and over again leaves to be said that it's a masterpiece among mastercrafts. It'll live longer than most because of it's sheer heart.
You could write an entire novel describing what happens in each character's mind in the unspoken words between Father and Son and the way it defines entire Generations and lays weak foundation for future generations and mistakes.
this film is so overlooked and underrated
94% in Rotten tomatoes and many reviewers have given 5/5 to the movie so it has certainly gotten some recognition but maybe not so much in the mainstream level which is somewhat unfair indeed.
Because...The Masses Are Asses.
+Lowell Zapata oh my gosh. I have to start using that.
It's actually been recognised as one of the best films of the century so far in a number of aggregated critics lists.
it was nominated for an Oscar.....Issac
That old mans such a good actor, he told a story without saying 1 word.
I loved this film so much, and I can't agree more. There can't be many (or any) finer performances from a non-speaking extra than this, he conveyed more emotion and more information simply by closing his eyes than most can through minutes and minutes of dialogue. Great song and great clip
Don’t really have to say much for people to know you took a shit in your briefs
@@Estuans He is just closing his eyes, don't read too much into it.
@@Estuans The Coen-Joke about that scene is that the closing of his eyes doesn't mean anything.
Absolutely. The moment he turns his head I got tears in my eyes every time not matter how much I fight it.
"I earned the gear I was wearing" is the breakthrough line here, and is specifically the line that the father reacts to. In the most simple terms, it illuminates the moment in a man's life when he's at his most honest equilibrium, taking the exact amount as what he makes and not wanting more. It's the most pure feeling, and is always gone before you realize it.
Okay your post was as close to profound as I have read in some time.
Well said!
good analysis
Llewin believed that the father's expression was because he had recognized him and was excited, but in reality it was because he had shit his pants. The scene ends with Llewin calling for a nurse
I remember the feeling well; It was 2007. I was 19 yrs old, working as a construction laborer in Western Montana. My rent was $530 mo, split two ways. I made $11.50 an hour and had zero debt. To this day, I've never felt richer than I did in those times.
How he didn't win an Oscar for this performance is beyond me. This is so powerful.
Edit: I'm not just talking about this scene but his performance in general in this movie Truly incredible!
Heh, I see whatcha did there
Singers don't win Oscars just for being great singers.
@@kylelindberg7771 I'm talking about his performance in this whole movie. He is indeed a great singer and musician but his acting in this movie is incredible!
@@LPdedicated Good point, but he already is an Oscar.
Can't believe he didn't actually get an Isaac for this movie. Incredible performance.
Lyrics:
Oh, it was a fine and a pleasant day,
Out of Yarmouth harbor I was farin'
As a cabin boy on a sailin' lugger,
For to hunt the bonny shoals of herring.
Now you're up on deck, you're a fisherman,
You can swear and show a manly bearin'
Take your turn on watch with the other fellows,
As you hunt the bonny shoals of herring.
Well I earned my keep and I payed my way.
And I earned the gear that I was wearing.
Sailed a million miles, caught ten million fishes
We were dreaming of the shoals of herring.
Night and day the seas were daring.
Come wind, oh come winter gale.
Sweating or cold, growing up, growing old.
Or dying.
As we dream about the shoals of herring.
Thank you x
Thanks.
Thanks mate 😊
"Come wind, or calm, or winter gale..."
Don't know where this last verse came from. Made up by some script writer maybe? It's certainly not in Ewan MacColl's original song and four verses from the original were not included here, so frankly I don't see your point.
This reminds me of visiting my grandfather in his nursing home. I would either play guitar or we would listen to music on my laptop. He enjoyed the soundtrack to this movie a lot, even though he normally preferred classical music. He was one of my best friends
I remember visiting my father in a home and playing some of his favorite songs for him and seeing the enjoyment in his face as he listened. Thanks for sharing your beautiful memory and for helping me remember mine :)
thank you John, and you too!@@nycjohnb
This song is very beautiful and very sad at the same time. The shoals of herring symbolize the happiness we're chasing all our life. First, the boy is young, and he admires his father, then he grows older and becomes like his father. The sea they're crossing in search for shoals of herring is life itself with all its hardships and difficulties (the seas were daring). It's amazing how these four verses managed to describe the human lifespan. The time is running so fast, and we don't even notice that, we're just living our lives, "sweating or cold, growing up, growing old", and at the end dying... The song describes life as it is, and that's why it is so powerful.
The problem with people like me is that i take things/lyrics too literally. thanks for the added insight to this song. it makes it even that much more better
Well, the original song if you didn't know, was written by a Scottish folk singer Ewan McColl in 1963 (thereabouts), he interviewed the fisherman up along the north-east coast of England and rhymed the lines that they had said in the interviews.
I don't know how it was marketed in Inside Llewyn Davis, I haven't seen it yet, but the original is essentially really only just about fish, i'm afraid!
Not taking away from your interpretation of it though, nice way of looking at the song. hats off to you!
Thank you so much-you helped me understand this song so well-and why I cried the first time I heard it in the film and every time I listen to it since!
@@patrickhannon4217 That's interesting to know, because in the film it is mentioned that the protagonist recorded this song when he was a child, which would be impossible since it takes place around 1961-62.
@Stephen Dedalus, as a matter of fact now I think back to my original comment, I think we're both right, because when the song became popular Ewan MacColl (I spelt it wrong the first time, brain fart! LOL) would have been middle aged at that point, I googled it to remind myself (guilty!), he was alive from 1915 - '89, so your comment would make sense
Honestly, I don't remember my thinking at the time of my original comment, I definitely remember researching it to get my facts straight, but maybe at the time I mixed up: when it was written VS when it was popularized... I don't know, it was a while ago. Thanks for the reply though mate
He pours his heart out and gets shit on for it. Greatest film of the last decade. This movie crushes my soul.
It does
The world is like that 😢
Ewan Maccoll wrote this song about the fishermen in Great Yarmouth (England) who worked the dangerous North Sea to fish for the Herring. This is a beautiful interpretation of the song.
One of the greatest film ever made.
this song gives me chills. I traveled europe, found a girlfriend, came back to the states and worked as a salmon fisherman in alaska. this song epitomizes the youthfulness of those times and archs to when those times run out and we are left with our memories
Did you catch a million fishes
That last sentence could be sang to the melody and rythm of the song...
"growing up, growing old, or dyin'" might be my favorite lyrics of all time
Old man's actor... He doesn't need words, just his face... what a great actor
When his dad turns and looks out the window longingly. Heartbreaking.
I barely went on with this movie because of this song, i replayed it like twenty times.
First time I saw this scene I thought that the father was basically disowning his son, turning away from him, showing absolute disinterest. But after watching the movie several times, I think that what this scene is showing is that Llewyn, despite what the critics say, *does* connect with his audience. Profoundly, in fact. If you watch his father with this in mind, you can see the feelings crossing his face, him relaxing (probably the reason he had an accident). When Llewyn says "Wow. Wow" I think he's realizing that he was able to connect to his father in a way that he hadn't in years or perhaps ever.Watching this now I feel a complex mix of hope, helplessness, loss, and acceptance. Hope because Llewyn connects, helplessness because he can't control who he connects to and who he doesn't, loss for all the words, affirmations or criticisms, that his father doesn't say and acceptance because I think it's here that he realizes that this is just the way things are.
+Shannon Anastosopolos I agree with you. Although I admire Matsuda's romantic interpretation.
Shannon Anastosopolos I think you're probably right. I'm conflicted about this scene though, so I flip flop.
+Matsuda Tōta i thought he peed himself cause the song moved him
That's what I thought the third time I saw it. I'm not sure anymore.
I think when Matsuda is partially correct. The scene when dad turned his head and gazed out the window. His dad was a Merchant Marine and so was Llewyn. Dad was probably lost in a pleasant memory. As the song came to an end, dad dropped a deuce in this depends and killed the vibe.
Perfect song... Perfect Movie!!
Great to see so many people recognize the film and I think time has already proven the film to be a classic. What I really like about the film is how the Coens built the character and his journey. For all his struggles, one may feel great empathy towards him but if you step back a bit, you will also notice his personality (lack of long-term planning, too cynical at times etc.) may also be the cause of all his struggles. However, the Coens never gave a clear answer on how we should perceive this character, because as it is in real life, one cannot simply explain how one decision will lead to an outcome because it is never a linear relationship. Use the license as an example, of cause throwing it away at the mid-point of the film seems an awful idea and demonstrate how Llewyn has no plan in life especially when we know he needs it in the later part of the film, but if you are standing at his point of view, you understand that he sort of wished to bury his past. These kind of complexity of the character make us become more connected to the character.
Besides, I always think of this film is a true depiction of "dream", most films depicted the journey of the main character, how they successfully overcome different hurdles in life to realize their dream. While this film coldly depicted the sad side of this dream chasing journey that most people don't succeed, no matter how much you dedicated to your dream. Yet, it also showed what dream truly is. Some films described the dream of the main character in a very fancy way like they want to change the world or whatever and they keep emphasize it is his/her dream throughout the film. While in this film, not once in the film did anyone say being a folk singer is Llewyn's dream, but when you listen to the songs Llewyn played, they are (in some way) about his life, he played folk songs since he's a kid. He is a folk singer not because he wants to be one but he HAS to be. Folk songs is his life and in his blood. No matter how he tried to escape from it (become a seaman), life kicks him back to it. He is nothing without folk songs.
Pardon my english as it is not my native language and above may seems like gibberish but I can continue talk about this film for hours and I am sure most of you who love this film will share similar enthusiasm.
Coen Brothers are soooo fantastic its surreal how everything they do hits home with me. Enjoy this folks they won't be around forever
This is still my favorite film ever. Rewatched it yesterday just to see if it held up and goddamn it if i wasn't moved to tears
such a magic voice!
They way this scene is filmed, it's like I'm in the room with them. Magnificent cinematography!!
Beautiful scene! Always brings tears to my eyes.
I’m in love with this movie
Same
Oscar Isaac did a hell of a rendition.
Every time I listen to this lovely tune...I cry; it's so beautiful.
This is hauntingly beautiful
One of the best performances of the decade. Oscar was robbed of the... Oscar
I love how he looks at his father when he sings, "Or dying...". What a jerk. Great movie.
lol you're right, didn't think about it like that before, but he IS a jerk, a performative jerk
@gundabalf he's a jerk the whole movie. It's the double edged sword of being an artist. Alot of them have egotistical or crass personalities that betray their own pursuits alot of the time. This movie imo is the most accurate representation of 'the artist' I've seen.
Brilliant film, nothing else to say.
Except that is doesn't have any action, or a boring character arc.
As an musician, Ive picked this tune up and play it when then time is right. Its a serious song, does its job. If your in Sligo, you may hear it in the flesh, Best effort like...
I play it too. Just at home for me. Beautiful song.
he is gorgeous. the song was gorgeous. everything about this is just gorgeous
This film introduced me to Dave Van Ronk, of course, but also the late great Ewan MacColl. Never knew how many of his songs I'd spent my life singing along to
Brought up my tear, so warm, beautiful and I can feel the old time all flooding in
Reminds me of my grandfather, especially when he was not well and he was dying. He was a fisherman in his younger years. I was there on his last day and just joked around with him like I usually would. Tennis was on, our favorite sport to watch together.
A brilliant man who was one of the greatest writers that I ever knew. He was not a very open person, but his silence meant everything.
He welcomed me into my family's home when I was left for dead. He did not need to speak to express his love.
A troubled, grumpy old man who was hard to get through.
Whenever I listen to this song, I think of him and want to cry.....
In my mind, this scene reinforces Llewyn's bitterness of his situation and how people think of him. In the same way Bud Grossman innocently and ignorantly tells him to get back together with his deceased partner (in Llewyn's mind, go and jump off the George Washington Bridge), this situation with his father (regardless of whether Llewyn managed to get through to him with the song or not) doesn't mean to have an accident in his company, but to Llewyn it's "here's what I think of you". He says wow, thinking "no one has ever told me 'you suck' like that before".
Duncan Thomson eh, dunno, man. It's a reasonable perspective, but the look on llewyns face would seem to fit perfectly with the traditional interpretation and be a stretch with yours. His expression says "holy shit. It's worse than I thought" as opposed to ""wow. this is a new level of criticism re: my performing".
did you ever see 'a serious man'?
(Just curious--your interpretation reminded me of it for some reason.)
If you have encountered people with dementia, response is at a minimum. His dad's look wasn't one of disgust, but neurons re-activating as he looks back in happiness that he heard such a beautiful song sung by his son. The looking out the window was him reminiscing the past and his face looking back at him wasn't pain, but relief. His 'Wow', was one of 'Holy crap, he's reacting'.
I think considering Llewyn's fairly frequent facetious reactions to serious situations (ie talking about flying cars when asked a frank question about his future, "you mean they wanna fuck jim" etc) it's a plausible way to look at it. People can look at the world like that sometimes, especially when you consider everything Llewyn is going through at that particular point in his life. So for him, interpreting what happened with his father in that way could almost be easier than accepting that his father was happy to hear his music; because no doubt Llewyn is feeling extreme guilt for not visiting his father enough, which considering his situation at that moment is simply too much for him to face head-on. Not so much straight-up bitterness, it's more a defensive sort of reaction. That's why I love the Coen Brothers' films, and in particular this one - you can dive deep and have a totally different perspective to someone else.
I did see A Serious Man but it was very long ago, I need to make a point of watching it again
@@TheSwedishAssassin His dad actually crapped his pants. That is why he said wow. Llewyn called a nurse after that.
@@Anarchizer No, I watched the movie, that DID NOT happen....
The most memorable scene in the movie for me. Barely spoiled by finding out that Ewan McColl wrote Shoals of Herring in 1961 (to a traditional tune, Shores of Erin). And Oscar Isaac does an amazing job.
Thanks for that I didn't know. What a beautiful song
There was no traditional tune called Shores of Erin. Some Irish singers misinterpreted the song and thought it was called Shores of Erin.
It seems I accepted what I read about the origins of the song too uncritically so thanks for the information.
allan connochie en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shoals_of_Herring
According to Wikipedia it is a composite song. McColl was doing a project for bbc radio on folk song. And he was travelling up and down the east coast of England collecting tunes and lyrics which he cobbled together to make the song. It is based on a fisherman / folk singer from Great Yarmouth called Sam larner. If you listen to the music of those people you realise that (like the exec in the film) it probably isn’t marketable. So although the song has old roots it was kind of repackaged for a modern audience in the 60s
Never sing for your family. Dissent hurts twice as much and compliments are suspect. It's a no-win.
True, logical. Nevertheless...
+Dink Martini :'(
+Dink Martini Or sing *with* your family. That way you can bask in each other's mediocrity, that's what I do and it's fun. After all, isn't music a joyous expression of the soul?
+Hélène B lol
+Dink Martini
Depressingly true statement that can be applied to many things, but it is still worth trying, for your own sake if not for theirs.
When I close my eyes while listening to this song and it makes me feel that I am sailing all by myself in a small boat on a cloudy day.
I cried at the cinema, watching this poit of the movie! but the ending of the scene... d'oh ! -.-
Not very often is the perfect actor cast for a part. I cannot see anyone else playing Llewyn. The part is so beautifully played by Oscar, a career defining performance. Bravo Mr. Isaac, Bravo!
scott pierce so very true
Saw parts if movie while holidaying in Bali..got home and found it on Netflix...yes an enjoyable movie experience.
That's how you make movies!
It is.
yea, Im fucking crying, whats it to you?
O it was a fine and a pleasant day.
Out of Yarmouth harbour I was faring
As a cabin boy on a sailing lugger.
As you hunt the bonny shoals of herring.
Now you're up on deck, you're a fisherman.
You can swear and show a manly bearing.
Take your turn on watch with the other fellows
As you hunt the bonny shoals of herring.
Well I earned my keep and I paid my way,
And I earned the gear that I was wearing,
Sailed a million miles, caught ten million fishes.
We were dreaming of shoals of herring.
Night and day the seas were daring.
Come wind or calm or winter gales,
Sweating or cold, growing up, growing old, or dying
As we dream about the shoals of herring.
Who ever said blues didn't come from Anglo-Irish folk music?
@@zootsoot2006This was written in the late 1950’s for a radio program called “singing the fishing” the blues influenced this not this the blues. The singer is an old retired fisherman in his late 60’s early 70’s who started learning his trade in the 1890’s when boats were still mainly sail powered with an auxiliary engine. He is recounting his life and the death of the trade he knew. Within 15 years the herring fleet would be tied up for a decade or more to let the stocks recover.
my favorite of the Coen Bros films
2:00 that expression more than appreciation.
I tear up every time I think about this movie .
I thought the joke/sadness here was that, just as you thought that he had gotten through to his old man, he was actually just shitting himself.
That's the recurring theme. Llewyn has massive talent, but he just can't make (or isn't allowed) the human connection. His estrangement from his father, his turbulent relationship with his sister, his resistant and spiteful "love interest", and his lost partner. He fails to "man up" and meet his child. His only connection is with the cat, which is pointed out early "is Llewyn". As much as he scorns the "squares," he only cares about himself and making money.
At the end, when he finally lets go. When he reveals his torment and bares himself, his shadow comes out and kicks his ass, then leaves town. He takes his licks, finally learns the lesson, then the cycle starts all over again.
chris helms chris helms but that time, when the cycle is starting over again, he is able to leave the cat behind him, right. And in the same night a lot of journalists were at the Gaslight, doesn't Bob Dylan's appearance means that Llewyn may be able to make his so desired success?
Luciano Borges de Lima Yes, I believe he does remember to leave the cat (his ego) behind. We could assume that Llewyn, in a Groundhog Day fashion, might learn to correct or mitigate a new mistake each cycle, being an allegory for human growth in the face of suffering/struggle.
Bob Dylan's appearance might just be to highlight how Llewyn was overshadowed. This also reinforces the core concept of folk music. The original artist is often buried/unknown and the famous folk musicians are famous for their personality, not their "creative" force (much of their music being borrowed or, in some cases, stolen). Of course, all of that is open for interpretation and personal viewpoint, hence the name "Gaslight".
@@dormetheus the cycle actually stops at the end but sadly so, typical Coen style. He closes the cat in the door, the paraphrase of the acceptance towards compromise; he sings out the final grief for his suicidal fellow, Bob Dylan would put end definitely to any musical career, he signed for an "average existance" working on a boat. Is that a "good" ending? Who knows, the only thing we know is that specific misery cycle ended that final day.
@@Brucaleeffo: I think you nailed it.
Such a beautiful scene. I think of it often.
I love the "inside" of Llewyn Davis 💙
His liver is excellent, especially with a nice Chianti
Ive never particularly liked this song but Noah Reid sings it so beautifully and with so much emotion and expression i love his rendition. Its my favorite scence from this show.
I just love this version. Just perfect. Have a special connection to this song. 1995…… a long and funny and lovely tale 😀
Whenever I see this scene, I always cry. This movie is a 21st century masterpiece that shakes off my lonely soul.
i do not care for the winter sun
Still listening to this song in 2018. I can't get over how beautiful it is.
This movie hits you more than you know. Awesome movie.
"I sailed a million miles... caught ten million fishes... we were dreeeaming of the shoals of herring." My favorite part :)
Ewan McColl wrote this amazing song.
@@nbenefiel Thank Ewan :)
Now this is a film
i love the end of scene with the sound of the seagulls and his fathers expression,
but the sad/funny part is, his father just finished shitting himself
Anyone else use this as a bit of a guitar lesson for the song? Really simple but beautiful way of playing it
+HeadBangerHenry93
I appreciate that your username is HeadbangerHenry93 and you enjoy playing this song as much as I do.
When people ask me what my favourite scene in a movie is only thing I can think of is this scene right here.
It’s touching my soul
This song is so comforting
i love this movie..and thius scene is beauteful
it hurts
My God, Oscar Isaac is so damn good. You add the Coen Bros and it's pure greatness.
One of my favorite films of all time
This scene made me cry like a baby :') The movie is brilliant!
Absolutely love this. Keep thinking he's singing the 'shores of Erin"
Inside Folk music. Im so grateful for this movie and all the music i discovered through it
There something so beautiful about this scene, but I can't understand it. Is gold 😭
Nicely done Oscar. Very nicely done, thank you.
Yet another exquisite moment in an exquisite movie. I feel very sad for those that have never discovered this film or who don't "get it" - it is so rewarding to watch and rewatch and rediscover scenes and see how your reactions and observations change with each watching.
I love that the Coens don't patronize their audience. Whatever meaning a moment or a scene has to them personally, they understand implicitly that what makes a scene powerful is ambiguity and uncertainty and give us the respect of deciding for ourselves what to believe about a scene or character.
Back in 2010 my dad was in an adult family home suffering from Alzheimer’s. I decided to bring my guitar one afternoon to play him a song. This scene destroyed me. Wrecks me every time but I keep watching. Hoping maybe it’ll turn out differently.
That wow made alot of impact to me than any 4 minute emotional speeches in any movie.
My brother used to play songs like this for mom and dad when they had some drinks. Mom could even pick a little. Lol
I think Llewyn is seeing here that he actually was connecting right along, but that his father had been doing what men often do, which is covering his deep and conflicting feelings with a mask of working man stoicism..I don't see this as a "downer movie" at all, and sense Llewyn, urged by life's buffetings, beginning to heal and slowly cracking and starting to emerge from his personal and creative cocoon at the end of the film.
Cool perspective. Never thought of it that way
I strongly disagree. This scene isn't much different from the Chicago scene. We the audience are connected and the cinematography would lead you to believe that his audience is as well, but that is not the case. He was shot down in Chicago being told that his act didn't look profitable and that he should get a partner providing insult to injury. Same thing here with his father. He pours his heart into the song and all he can say is wow at the end because his father was taking a shit in his pants. Insult to injury.
His father had a look of genuine enjoyment though. 1:28 I'm surprised people depict this scene differently. At the start, Llewyn says "you used to like this" and to me it seems like he did and does. Or maybe it was the look of pant-shitting, who knows?
I feel the same way but couldn't really put it into words like that
I think people depict this scene the way it's supposed to be seen.
I mean, at the end you see Llewyn's reaction, which is most people's take away from the scene. If you're surprised by their reaction, then you're also surprised by Llewyn's reaction.
This film is one of the best ever made
So sweet and emotional...
When people ask me why I love Oscar so much I direct them to this movie. This is by far my favorite movie of his and the reason Oscar is my number one actor.
The music is beautiful and haunting at the same time
I like that he plays with his picking hand all the way down toward the bridge to get that extra twangy sound.
I always thought his rendition of Fare Thee Well was incredible.... but this is on a whole other level imo. Goes straight to the soul.
Absolutely devastating performance 💔
Still listening. Love this movie.
Best film of the decade
Right up there with Liam Clancy.
Mark Ramsey Amen to that
Interestingly, this song was written by the same person, Ewan McColl, who wrote the classic love song "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face".
I had to take my guitar and play that one. Beautiful song and great rendition by Oscar Isaac. I feel much more connection to British and American folk music than to my country's (Eastern Europe).
That really hit me....
Such a sweet soft song X
Sooooo sad.... Sooo beautiful
So my thoughts on the ending, he is playing an old song that he knows meant something to his father, seeing if there are signs of emotion/ emotional connection. At one point he sees something rise, an emotion stirs but then his father pushes it away and hardens again. Llewyn senses this change and says 'wow' , that even with his best efforts he couldnt get to his father and realises it's a lost cause....
I love this song
I have a collection of Criterion films I'm proud for having procured. Looking on the journey that brought all sorts of cinematic glory, encountering this one over and over again leaves to be said that it's a masterpiece among mastercrafts. It'll live longer than most because of it's sheer heart.
I loved this film.
Amo tanto esta película 😭❤️
Beautiful
Such a moving scene, great movie
Damn, not green at all. Oscar could make it as a folk musician. I was surprised he played and singed that good but it sure is the right fingering.
It's too bad he's too busy piloting x-wings. 😂 Serisously though, I wish he'd take some time to create music. His voice is beatiful.
You could write an entire novel describing what happens in each character's mind in the unspoken words between Father and Son and the way it defines entire Generations and lays weak foundation for future generations and mistakes.