What an awesome ride this one was, need the soundtrack ASAP! Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema PAN'S LABYRINTH FIRST TIME WATCHING will be uploaded Wednesday! Enjoy the day!
I love how they make Delmar's character consistent after he gets baptized. You can tell really did believe what happened there and tried the rest of the movie to do his best.
This is my fav Coen movie. The soundtrack is unmatched. I love this interpretation of the Odyssey. But the language my gods was it a thing of beauty. I quote this atleast once a week. Its bonafide!
I think the guy that sold his soul to the devil to play music was based on the blues player, Robert Johnson, who was thought to have done the same bc he was so good.
Indeed, he was. Scattered my father's ashes at that very crossroads; he asked me to give him back to the Devil (my dad was a big Robert Johnson fan. Obviously.)
It was a huge seller and heavily inspired a lot of today’s music. Helped bring back roots, Americana, I guess folk and bluegrass. Definitely created a bunch of fans of that style and genre of music.
I wish more directors had an eclectic palette. You never know what kind of movie you are going to see when you first see a Coen Brother's film. But you know it will be entertaining.
I've heard this movie described as "Homer meets The Three Stooges." The character of Tommy is based on the real-life blues guitarist Tommy Johnson, who (legend says) sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads. In the movie they did pick him up at a crossroads. Today people associate the legend with Robert Johnson (who is more famous), but it was originally told about Tommy Johnson. Did you catch that the John Goodman character was wearing an eyepatch? He's the movie's equivalent of the cyclops in the Odyssey. The white hooded guys marching around in formation are a call-out to the guards outside the witch's castle in The Wizard of Oz. The Coen Brothers said O Brother, Where Art Thou? is largely based on that classic movie. (BTW, I'm avoiding the use of certain words here because I'm afraid my comment will be blocked). The title "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" comes from the 1941 movie Sullivan's Travels, in which the title character is a filmmaker who wants to make a movie with that name. O Brother, Where Art Thou? has one of my favorite soundtracks of any movie. The soundtrack CD became a big seller when the movie came out. One interesting thing is that, in the scene where the crowd turns against Homer Stokes, it's not because of his association with that white hood organization (again, trying to keep my comment from being blocked). They were pissed off that he was taking their music away. And, of course, Pappy used it as an opportunity to get rid of an opponent. Pappy is the sort of politician for whom leadership means finding a parade to march in front of. Another Coen Brothers movie you should react to is True Grit. It's a remake of a John Wayne movie from 1969. The Coen Brothers' version is far superior, in my opinion. Thanks for this reaction!
I'd never connected the whitehats with the Witch's castle from Wizard of Oz. But it's pretty clear now that I think about it. There are several references to "The Odessey" though. The Cyclops as you mention but also the Sirens, luring men to their doom with their singing.
I’m sure you are right about that movie and it’s relevance too knowing the Coen Brothers, but ‘Oh Brother, where art thou’ is also a line lifted directly from the Odyssey and Homer himself.
@@timhibbard4226 Are you sure about that? I just searched an on-line English translation of the Odyssey for the word "brother" and didn't find anything like "Oh, Brother, where art thou."
So the movie has the Prophet who is like Tiresias with his cryptic predictions. John Goodman is the cyclops and the flag pole thrown at his eye and the burning wood taking him out are callouts. The sirens as mentioned previously. The wife's name tracks with Penelope, Odysseus' wife, and "he's a suitor". The man with the radio station is a callout to Homer himself - the blind bard/storyteller. And the singers getting baptized are reminiscent of the Lotus Eaters.
Every time you've mentioned "color correction" or "color grading" in films, I've been thinking about how you needed to react to this movie. Roger Deakins really changed the game with this one when it comes to how movies look.
In relation to this, on the DVD extras they show that it was filmed in the middle of super green verdant summer. The golden tones used to make the dust-bowl aesthetic were entirely visual effects. Just a gorgeous film!
"I just find it hilarious that as wholesome as this scene looks, these are probably the very same people that were out here burning crosses and wearing white hoodies." Oh man, did you get that prediction right. XD
I think, the underwater shot was representing the old south and it´s symbols (banjo, pomade, blood hound and the tire swing) getting flushed away by modern age and progress (the dam). Great reaction to a wonderful movie!
That ties in with the soundtrack; every song on there, no matter how bright and cheery, is about death in one way or another. T Bone Burnett soundtracked OBWAT; I guess inescapable change is coming for everyone and everything in this film, as it did in real life.
@@Bulletproofeyeballs Burnett is a hell of a producer, with a delicate taste. But let´s not forget Gillian Welch, who also massively contributed to the soundtrack of OBWAT. She has a cameo as the girl asking for a record of the Soggy Bottom Boys.
@Raylan Givens Not too sure about that. While he delivered the proof himself, that people tend to turn to God in desperate times and situations, once out of the trouble he quickly got back to his usual ways of looking down at "superstitious peasants". lol. I don´t blame him.
@Raylan Givens Alright, I remember that look that he gave the cow on the barn and yes, it certainly confused him...for a second. lol Unfortunately we´ll never find out, if this had any lasting effect on the guy. I have my doubts, however. Cheers.
This is my favorite Coen Bros movie. The writing and performances are so brilliant in this movie, not to mention one of the greatest soundtracks ever. Its bonafide.
"He really just brought them out there so he can beat their ass and kill their frog" There's something you don't hear everyday! LOL!!! This movie is a masterpiece! Great reaction, great commentary! Keep up the great work yo!
This is one of those films that if I see while channel surfing, I ALWAYS stop and watch it! So many funny things to catch on repeat viewings ( and I just love the music!)
So true. I chuckled a lot when I saw it in the theater, but watching it again since, after years, had me crackin' UP on SO many parts. I totally didn't remember the "Damn! We're in a tight spot!" said over and over. TOO funny.
The Coens are big fans I imagine, because the "and they dock ya!" scene in The Hudsucker Proxy is also very reminiscent of Cool Hand Luke (plus you know, Paul Newman is in the movie).
Fun fact: Around the same time the guy who produced this soundtrack (T-Bone Burnett) also produced the Robert Plant and Allison Krause album "Raising Sand" and B.B. Kings last album before he died not long after. The Plant and Krause album is legit one of the best albums I've ever heard and brought both artists to the forefront of music in the mid 00's. I believe it won a bunch of Grammys as well. B.B.'s last album (though a bit hit and miss... The guy was in his 80's) was a wonderful last love letter to the blues from one of its founders.
For how popular the Coens are, they have a shocking number of underrated movies. Barton Fink is definitely one, also Miller's Crossing, Blood Simple, A Serious Man, Inside Llewyn Davis, even The Hudsucker Proxy. All super underrated and movies everyone should watch.
The Coen bros. always make George Clooney a big idiot in their movies, and it's always fun to watch. Burn After Reading is no exception. Great cast, a lot of hysterical shocks. Plot-wise, it's something of a more comedically edged Fargo, though around far less important circumstances.
The prison guard with the sunglasses is an homage to a prison guard in "Cool Hand Luke." That movie is an absolute classic, and one I sure hope you react to.
Hey James, as a southerner, this is a staple of the culture as far as film goes, right up there with the dukes of hazard and smokey and the bandit. Enjoyed the reaction man!
This movie is one of the classics where I grew up. I had the pleasure of meeting Ralph Stanley several times back home, who performed "O Death" on the soundtrack and was a fantastic Bluegrass legend.
My favorite Coen brothers movie is True Grit (to me, better than the original--which I really like). The rest I like in order: Raising Arizona, The Big Lewbowski, O Brother, Where Art Thou & Fargo.
You are the best in the movie reaction game, James. As a film lover, I love how insightful your reactions are, and your passion for film shines through in every reaction. Thank you for giving us this amazing content. Seriously.
Robert Johnson was a blues guitarist from around 1920's/30's who said he sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads, and was a real person. Also 'Baby Face' Nelson was a notorious bank robber from the same era, also a real person. Most other events in movie are ref's to 'The Odyssey'; the oracle at the start telling him his future, the baptism being like the island of the Lotus Eaters, the sirens song enchanting them, and the encounter with the cyclops, Polyphemus. And with most Coen Bros movie's, there is a figure of pure evil, in this it's the Devil himself.
Tommy Johnson. Tommy was the one who sold his soul and sang about it. Years later, the myth got attached to Robert. Devil's last laugh? Robert got fame, but only years after his death. Tommy is nearly forgotten
So for how the story parallels the Odyssey here are a couple of quick points: Odysseus-Ulysses Everett McGill • Leader • Proud (Dapper Dan & hair obsession) • On a quest (the treasure, then getting his wife back) • Quick-witted (gets extra $ for singing) Pete-Odysseus’ crew (mutiny) Delmar-Odysseus’ crew (foolishness) George Nelson- Crew involved in the Cattle of the Sun God • Part of Odysseus’ crew for a time • Kills cows • Gets electrocuted via the chair (Zeus’ punishment with lightning bolt) Tommy-Athena (helps them along their way) Penny-Odysseus’ wife, Penelope • Sets task for Everett (has to get the ring) which is similar to when Penelope makes Odysseus prove his love • Has suitors and is going to be getting married Soggy Bottom Boys-beggar’s disguise to infiltrate and get wife back Laundry Ladies-Sirens/Calypso (singers who lul in unsuspecting men/ transforms men into animals ) Baptism-Lotus Eaters (all mindlessly following, Odysseus crew follows) Sheriff-Poseidon (makes the journey difficult for Odysseus) Big Dan Teague-Cyclops • Huge in size, beats them up • Kills some of Odysseus’ crew (the frog they think is Pete) • Nearly gets a spike in the eye Menelaus “Papy” O Daniel-King Menelaus (Greeks) • Campaigning against Homer Stokes (Trojans) Homer Stokes & the Ku Klux Klan-Trojans (lose the “war”-to the Greeks) • Stokes gets carried out on a mast (seafaring element) Vernon T. Waldrip-Suitors • Going to marry Penny Everett’s daughters-Telemachus/ Fates (Three women who influence the story) • Think their father is dead (“hit by a train”) • Tell Everett about the suitor The Blind Seer-Tiresias * Accurately predicts the outcome of the trio's adventure Mr. Lund--Homer *Broadcaster of the story
I was in high school when this film came out, and played the CD of the soundtrack every day. "Hard Time Killing Floor Blues" is still a mainstay on my hiking music playlist. Good times.
the baptism was the lotus eaters, john goodman was the cyclops, the clothes washers at the river were the sirens. when he makes it home his wife is being courted by another man. there are a lot of odyssey refrences in this movie.
Fun fact about this film. Due to the large crowd stage scene near the end being filmed in Vicksburg, MS, My grandparents were extras in that scene. My uncle was also an extra as part of the chain gang. If anyone wants to know where to look, there is a moment where they are right in the camera. It’s the part were everyone is clapping. 6 people are focused on in the frame. The two people in the center are doing the Do Si Do and two people on the left and right sides are clapping. Those two on the left are my grandparents. th-cam.com/video/VVmXSnyLroM/w-d-xo.html 4:08 is the timestamp of the moment in this link. To point them out more. My grandmother is wearing a hat and in pink, my granddad is in a black suit.
The main contribution of this movie to film history is that it was the first big Hollywood movie to use fully digital colour correction. It was a big deal in the late 90s
I always took it as the bounty hunter with the shades, that first showed up when they were burning to barn down, was the one who took Tommy's soul in exchange for the skill to play guitar. On account that his glasses make his eyes look "hollow" and he had a hound dog he travels with.
I think this was one of the first films to use digital color grading. This was filmed in the summer, and all the yellows of the trees were graded from green in post to give it that fall look.
Underrated line in this movie is when pappie is entering the radio station and he says " shake a leg junior, thank God your mommy died giving birth, if she'd a seen you she'd died of shame." such a southern comment.
It smells like The Odyssey. That's about it. But the Coens famously make statements like this about their movies. They do it to be a little tongue-in-cheek.
Bit of interesting trivia about this movie, George Clooney's uncle was a preacher in Kentucky and George sent him his lines to record reading so George could get the accent for the movie. But being a preacher, his uncle crossed out the curses and substituted other words which makes him the only person to ever make changes to a Coen bros script. ;) He talked about this in a Howard Stern interview. ;)
I love this movie. I bought the DVD as soon as it came out and watched it with my Mom (who just turned 90), and she recognized almost every song, particularly Big Rock Candy Mountain.
Fun piece of film trivia - this movie basically invented digital color grading to give it the washed out blue-and sepia look. It's a standard practice now but scanning a film into a computer to edit it like that was unheard of at the time
BTW the sheriff or whatever he is, is the devil. Tommy described the devil as having big empty eyes and a hollow voice and carrying a mean hound with him.
I LOVE this movie! In my top ten movies of all time! It makes even the American South in the '30s look like a goofy fun environment instead of a hateful bleak hellscape.
"Ooooohhhhhh yep yep yep yep - we gots to beat that competition....." :-) That and the governor being constantly exasperated with his son and staff has me laughing out loud every time I watch this (which is more than twice)
There’s an amazing behind the scenes feature for this movie that can be found on youtube about how they basically invented a new form of color grading for it!!
Thoroughly enjoyed your reaction. One of my favorite films. Being from the south, being from the bible belt. The lifestyles portrayed in this film still ring true today in this area in a lot of ways. Of course racism not so much (thankfully) but the tradition of old time religion, folk tales and gospel hymns. It always reminds me of home. Thanks for another great reaction.
I'd like to recommend a movie called Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. Starring Sam Rockwell and directed by George Clooney. "An adaptation of the cult memoir of game show impresario Chuck Barris (Sam Rockwell), in which he purports to have been a C.I.A. hitman."
This could possibly be my favorite movie of all time. Everything from the characters, dialogue, camera work, story, it's all so good. My wife and I, even my sister, all love to quote this movie 😂
Another great choice, James. I liked this a lot, along with the fact that it is loosely based on The Odyssey. I became aware of Tim Blake Nelson and noticed him in other movies after this. Part of the humor is that George Clooney's character thinks he's smart.
Well, he kinda is. Quite well-spoken too. Bit of trivia; did you know Tim Blake Nelson actually doesn't have a southern accent? He's darn good at it though.
It is part of the Coen Brothers' sense of humour to declare something along the lines of "Based Upon The Odyssey" and not really meaning it. Although this film has a few characters who share superficial characteristics with some of the characters in ancient Greek literature, the fact is that they did not, in the least, base this movie on anything to do with the Classics. You can check it by listening to their answers, here on TH-cam. Sorry!
"Another thing I really love about the Cohen Brothers is that their....characters within their stories are always so distinct - visually and also just by their performances." I love that you get this. The first film of theirs that really grabbed me was Raising Arizona. They used to replay it all the time on Comedy Central, and one of the things that they really implemented a lot early in their careers - mostly with RZ, Miller's Crossing, Barton Fink, etc. - was their use of super wide lenses coupled with the movement of the camera on dolly shots as well as the slightly off-kilter performances of the actors which creates an interesting sort of unreality or surreality to their stories. So uniquely them and that's why I love them: no one else could take one of their scripts and come even close. Their style is so distinct.
The town square scene was filmed like 15 minutes from where I live. It was several viewings before I even realized I’d been there many times! Plus the restaurant scene where they meet John Goodman is where we had our lunch breaks at a filmmaking summer camp I went to, which is in the same town square.
One of my favorite films of all time. I love how this film, at least at first, became an adaptation of The Odyssey on accident. They were just making the film like normal when someone realized, "Wait, y'all, we're literally making The Odyssey, but set in the South." and they just went, "Fuck it, let's roll with it."
I was scrolling through somebody new to experience this movie but I saw you and I wanted to watch you watch it again I seen you do that a ridiculous number of times but I'm a big fan of yours bro
One of my favorite movies of all time. I’m so happy to finally see you react to it. You got a sub forever. Will be paying for your patroon very soon. Dude, you fucking rock.
The Coen brothers have an impressive back catalogue but I think this is one of their best. The cast, soundtrack, cinematography, editing, colour pallette, everything about this film drips with love and quality. A perfect movie in my opinion.
George Clooney's character is the living embodiment of Dunning/Kruger Effect, don't you think? Check out "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind." Clooney directed and appears, but Sam Rockwell is mesmerizing.
Broooooo YES! Been waiting on a reaction to this, definitely holds a special place in my heart.. has one of the best songs from any movie, in my opinion.
Had to laugh at the Sirens scene though, talking about how beautful the colour corrections were.... while the wet clothes were clinging to those strikingly beautiful women, and all I could think was 'colour corrections' was a euphamism lol
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What an awesome ride this one was, need the soundtrack ASAP!
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PAN'S LABYRINTH FIRST TIME WATCHING will be uploaded Wednesday! Enjoy the day!
Just like Quintin`s movies, I spend more money on this sound track than buying the DVD. Brilliant move.
You should listen to/or react to.
Man of Constant Sorrow (Home Free Cover)
A full acapella/beatbox version.
O Brother followed by Pans Labyrinth? Your patreon voters do know their type of films.
And the list of absolute classics goes on.. excellent as ever
Soundtrack won the GRAMMY for best album. I may be wrong, but I think it's the only non-musical to do that.
I love how they make Delmar's character consistent after he gets baptized. You can tell really did believe what happened there and tried the rest of the movie to do his best.
Clooney: How many times do you want me to say “Damn. We’re in a tight spot” in this scene?
Coens: Yes.
Commented about that in the uncut version lol
They just sang into yonder can and skedaddled!
Thats my favorite line... me and my twin have been randomly saying it for years😂
"This man is SLIMY. He's a schemer!" Yep. That's Odysseus alright.
He's also the Pater Familias!
@@aerthreepwood8021 The DAMN Pater Familias !
This is my fav Coen movie. The soundtrack is unmatched. I love this interpretation of the Odyssey. But the language my gods was it a thing of beauty. I quote this atleast once a week. Its bonafide!
My exact thoughts on this masterpiece
"IS YOU IS OR IS YOU AINT MY CONSTITUENCY!" is something I try to say whenever given the opportunity.
Except his pronunciation is more like 'constitchency' 😂
That's a play on an old song, "Is you is, or is you ain't my baby?"
@@jean-paulaudette9246 louis jordan?
@@samanthanickson6478 I think you may mean Louis Armstrong. I recall Louis Jordan as the actor who played Dr. Arcane in the "Swamp Thing" films.
@@jean-paulaudette9246 No, it's Louis Jordan alright.
th-cam.com/video/5LGl70VGvmg/w-d-xo.html
George Clooney’s facial expressions in this movie are AMAZING!
This movie helped me realize that George Clooney isn't just a good-looking guy, but that he can actually ACT!
John Goodman with his eyepatch represents the giant Cyclops from the Odyssey.
Blind man on a handcart carrying people on the rail tracks seems like Charon the ferryman of the Underworld.
And the sirens are just obvious.
And the lead character's name is Ulysses and the whole movie is about a perilous journey home.
Hell, he even gets defeated by a burning stick, much like Polyphemus of the legend.
@@chrisleebowers and when he gets home he finds his wife has moved on and must win her back.
I think the guy that sold his soul to the devil to play music was based on the blues player, Robert Johnson, who was thought to have done the same bc he was so good.
Yep
Indeed, he was. Scattered my father's ashes at that very crossroads; he asked me to give him back to the Devil (my dad was a big Robert Johnson fan. Obviously.)
“Crossroad Blues”
Apparently the legend comes from someone else.
City Confidential did an episode based on him.
You are the “Dapper Dan” of reactors. Everyone else is just “FOP”.
Best comment 😭
Accurate. Only "reactor" i watch.
Thankfully James "ain't a geographical oddity.." lol
You could say I'm a Dapper Dan man
@@JamesVSCinema lol I have an actual Dapper Dan can I bought off ebay
The frog throw was the most disrespectful thing in humanity lol
FACTS 😭
... not the livestock ...
This has the dopest soundtrack. I would get the siren's song stuck in my head for days!
I seent them first!
It was a huge seller and heavily inspired a lot of today’s music. Helped bring back roots, Americana, I guess folk and bluegrass. Definitely created a bunch of fans of that style and genre of music.
I wish more directors had an eclectic palette. You never know what kind of movie you are going to see when you first see a Coen Brother's film. But you know it will be entertaining.
Agreed! Very few rare breeds of people like that
I've heard this movie described as "Homer meets The Three Stooges."
The character of Tommy is based on the real-life blues guitarist Tommy Johnson, who (legend says) sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads. In the movie they did pick him up at a crossroads. Today people associate the legend with Robert Johnson (who is more famous), but it was originally told about Tommy Johnson.
Did you catch that the John Goodman character was wearing an eyepatch? He's the movie's equivalent of the cyclops in the Odyssey.
The white hooded guys marching around in formation are a call-out to the guards outside the witch's castle in The Wizard of Oz. The Coen Brothers said O Brother, Where Art Thou? is largely based on that classic movie. (BTW, I'm avoiding the use of certain words here because I'm afraid my comment will be blocked).
The title "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" comes from the 1941 movie Sullivan's Travels, in which the title character is a filmmaker who wants to make a movie with that name.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? has one of my favorite soundtracks of any movie. The soundtrack CD became a big seller when the movie came out.
One interesting thing is that, in the scene where the crowd turns against Homer Stokes, it's not because of his association with that white hood organization (again, trying to keep my comment from being blocked). They were pissed off that he was taking their music away. And, of course, Pappy used it as an opportunity to get rid of an opponent. Pappy is the sort of politician for whom leadership means finding a parade to march in front of.
Another Coen Brothers movie you should react to is True Grit. It's a remake of a John Wayne movie from 1969. The Coen Brothers' version is far superior, in my opinion.
Thanks for this reaction!
I'd never connected the whitehats with the Witch's castle from Wizard of Oz. But it's pretty clear now that I think about it.
There are several references to "The Odessey" though. The Cyclops as you mention but also the Sirens, luring men to their doom with their singing.
I’m sure you are right about that movie and it’s relevance too knowing the Coen Brothers, but ‘Oh Brother, where art thou’ is also a line lifted directly from the Odyssey and Homer himself.
John Wayne was better in the role though.
@@timhibbard4226 Are you sure about that? I just searched an on-line English translation of the Odyssey for the word "brother" and didn't find anything like "Oh, Brother, where art thou."
So the movie has the Prophet who is like Tiresias with his cryptic predictions. John Goodman is the cyclops and the flag pole thrown at his eye and the burning wood taking him out are callouts. The sirens as mentioned previously. The wife's name tracks with Penelope, Odysseus' wife, and "he's a suitor". The man with the radio station is a callout to Homer himself - the blind bard/storyteller. And the singers getting baptized are reminiscent of the Lotus Eaters.
Every time you've mentioned "color correction" or "color grading" in films, I've been thinking about how you needed to react to this movie. Roger Deakins really changed the game with this one when it comes to how movies look.
In relation to this, on the DVD extras they show that it was filmed in the middle of super green verdant summer. The golden tones used to make the dust-bowl aesthetic were entirely visual effects. Just a gorgeous film!
"I just find it hilarious that as wholesome as this scene looks, these are probably the very same people that were out here burning crosses and wearing white hoodies."
Oh man, did you get that prediction right. XD
History repeats itself haha
Insert killing in the name of reference
Its disingenuous to put them all together. Some of those people..., sure I'll agree with that.
I think, the underwater shot was representing the old south and it´s symbols (banjo, pomade, blood hound and the tire swing) getting flushed away by modern age and progress (the dam). Great reaction to a wonderful movie!
That ties in with the soundtrack; every song on there, no matter how bright and cheery, is about death in one way or another. T Bone Burnett soundtracked OBWAT; I guess inescapable change is coming for everyone and everything in this film, as it did in real life.
@@Bulletproofeyeballs Burnett is a hell of a producer, with a delicate taste. But let´s not forget Gillian Welch, who also massively contributed to the soundtrack of OBWAT. She has a cameo as the girl asking for a record of the Soggy Bottom Boys.
@Raylan Givens Not too sure about that. While he delivered the proof himself, that people tend to turn to God in desperate times and situations, once out of the trouble he quickly got back to his usual ways of looking down at "superstitious peasants". lol. I don´t blame him.
@Raylan Givens Alright, I remember that look that he gave the cow on the barn and yes, it certainly confused him...for a second. lol Unfortunately we´ll never find out, if this had any lasting effect on the guy. I have my doubts, however. Cheers.
This is my favorite Coen Bros movie. The writing and performances are so brilliant in this movie, not to mention one of the greatest soundtracks ever. Its bonafide.
"He really just brought them out there so he can beat their ass and kill their frog"
There's something you don't hear everyday! LOL!!!
This movie is a masterpiece! Great reaction, great commentary! Keep up the great work yo!
Hahaha like damn, Goodman is either insane or a legend. Or both lmfaooo
Well he also wanted to rob them. The beating and squishing was just an added bonus.
This is a movie that definitely rewards repeat viewings. The dialogue is so good, but a lot of great lines get missed the first time around.
For sure!
Damn! We're in a tight spot!
This is one of those films that if I see while channel surfing, I ALWAYS stop and watch it! So many funny things to catch on repeat viewings ( and I just love the music!)
@@4040bsc M'hair! Every time he wakes up.
So true. I chuckled a lot when I saw it in the theater, but watching it again since, after years, had me crackin' UP on SO many parts. I totally didn't remember the "Damn! We're in a tight spot!" said over and over. TOO funny.
"Everybody, boo this man."
Movie: Don't mind if I do.
The prison Warden is supposed to be an homage to the prison boss in Cool Hand Luke. Speaking of which you absolutely need to watch Cool Hand Luke.
Gettin' some water over here, Boss.
The Coens are big fans I imagine, because the "and they dock ya!" scene in The Hudsucker Proxy is also very reminiscent of Cool Hand Luke (plus you know, Paul Newman is in the movie).
@@JayM409 shaking it over here boss
Sometimes nothing is a real cool hand
He's an homage in image and motivation...but in this film, he's also meant to be the literal devil, too.
Love this movie, still have the soundtrack on my phone.
So good!
My parent raised me on two soundtracks. O Brother Where Out Thou... and Rock Horror Picture Show... We're an Interesting bunch lol
Fun fact: Around the same time the guy who produced this soundtrack (T-Bone Burnett) also produced the Robert Plant and Allison Krause album "Raising Sand" and B.B. Kings last album before he died not long after.
The Plant and Krause album is legit one of the best albums I've ever heard and brought both artists to the forefront of music in the mid 00's. I believe it won a bunch of Grammys as well.
B.B.'s last album (though a bit hit and miss... The guy was in his 80's) was a wonderful last love letter to the blues from one of its founders.
@@billhicks6449 thanks for that. Always looking for different music to listen to especially when there's an interesting backstory.
Barton Fink!
Surely the most under-rated Coen bros movie, with John Goodman at his crazy finest x
Yes, Barton Fink and Miller’s Crossing.
For how popular the Coens are, they have a shocking number of underrated movies. Barton Fink is definitely one, also Miller's Crossing, Blood Simple, A Serious Man, Inside Llewyn Davis, even The Hudsucker Proxy. All super underrated and movies everyone should watch.
@@kblixt it had its moments for sure.
Tommy's description of the devil is the sheriff dude, hollow eyes and a hound its terrifying
The Coen bros. always make George Clooney a big idiot in their movies, and it's always fun to watch. Burn After Reading is no exception. Great cast, a lot of hysterical shocks. Plot-wise, it's something of a more comedically edged Fargo, though around far less important circumstances.
Same with Hail Caesar
@@slayer45670 - Intolerable Cruelty as well.
@Carolina Fantaccini Hudsucker Proxy and Kung Fu Hustle are the closest cinema got to cartoons
@@Kurdinov83 Raising Arizona's gotta be up there too
Burn After Reading is really underrated imo. I think it got a poor rap due to being the follow-up to No Country for Old Men but it's such a fun movie.
The prison guard with the sunglasses is an homage to a prison guard in "Cool Hand Luke." That movie is an absolute classic, and one I sure hope you react to.
Couldn’t agree more. Cool Hand Luke is my favorite film with my favorite actor.
Sometimes nothing is a real cool hand
The most existential coen brothers movie is 'A Serious Man' imo, and it's definitely worth a watch.
I would put Inside Llewyn Davis up there as well.
"Pa always said never trust a Hogwallop!"
I knicked the census taker!
Hey James, as a southerner, this is a staple of the culture as far as film goes, right up there with the dukes of hazard and smokey and the bandit. Enjoyed the reaction man!
And if my name ain't Rosco P Coltrane. (Keet Keet Keet) Cuff em and stuff em Roscoe!
This movie is one of the classics where I grew up. I had the pleasure of meeting Ralph Stanley several times back home, who performed "O Death" on the soundtrack and was a fantastic Bluegrass legend.
“It’s a fool that looks for logic in the chambers of the human heart.”
If I may suggest, Miller's Crossing is one of my favourite coen brothers movies
I’ll second that, my friend. Masterful filmmaking.
I was going to suggest the same. Probably my favourite Coen brothers - the film is a gem!
I was just in the neighborhood, feelin' a little daffy...
@@stobe187 you want I should dangle?
What's the rumpus?
My favorite Coen brothers movie is True Grit (to me, better than the original--which I really like). The rest I like in order: Raising Arizona, The Big Lewbowski, O Brother, Where Art Thou & Fargo.
You are the best in the movie reaction game, James. As a film lover, I love how insightful your reactions are, and your passion for film shines through in every reaction. Thank you for giving us this amazing content. Seriously.
I can't tell you how many times my grandmother says we need to watch this 😂
It's called a Tommy gun, James. Not a mini gun, which despite it's name is significantly larger.
Short for Thompson gun.
The mini-gun is that gatling-cannon thing Arnold used on the LAPD in Terminator 2
@@chrisleebowers Also was shown in Black Hawk Down and We were Soldiers.
Didn’t the Albert Finney character also use one in Miller’s Crossing?
@@chrisleebowers official name M134 Vulcan
Robert Johnson was a blues guitarist from around 1920's/30's who said he sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads, and was a real person. Also 'Baby Face' Nelson was a notorious bank robber from the same era, also a real person. Most other events in movie are ref's to 'The Odyssey'; the oracle at the start telling him his future, the baptism being like the island of the Lotus Eaters, the sirens song enchanting them, and the encounter with the cyclops, Polyphemus. And with most Coen Bros movie's, there is a figure of pure evil, in this it's the Devil himself.
in this they named him tommy johnson cuz there was a blues player named tommy johnson but they based his character off of robert johnson
Tommy Johnson. Tommy was the one who sold his soul and sang about it. Years later, the myth got attached to Robert. Devil's last laugh? Robert got fame, but only years after his death. Tommy is nearly forgotten
So for how the story parallels the Odyssey here are a couple of quick points:
Odysseus-Ulysses Everett McGill
• Leader
• Proud (Dapper Dan & hair obsession)
• On a quest (the treasure, then getting his wife back)
• Quick-witted (gets extra $ for singing)
Pete-Odysseus’ crew (mutiny)
Delmar-Odysseus’ crew (foolishness)
George Nelson- Crew involved in the Cattle of the Sun God
• Part of Odysseus’ crew for a time
• Kills cows
• Gets electrocuted via the chair (Zeus’ punishment with lightning bolt)
Tommy-Athena (helps them along their way)
Penny-Odysseus’ wife, Penelope
• Sets task for Everett (has to get the ring) which is similar to
when Penelope makes Odysseus prove his love
• Has suitors and is going to be getting married
Soggy Bottom Boys-beggar’s disguise to infiltrate and get wife back
Laundry Ladies-Sirens/Calypso (singers who lul in unsuspecting men/ transforms men into animals )
Baptism-Lotus Eaters (all mindlessly following, Odysseus crew follows)
Sheriff-Poseidon (makes the journey difficult for Odysseus)
Big Dan Teague-Cyclops
• Huge in size, beats them up
• Kills some of Odysseus’ crew (the frog they think is Pete)
• Nearly gets a spike in the eye
Menelaus “Papy” O Daniel-King Menelaus (Greeks)
• Campaigning against Homer Stokes (Trojans)
Homer Stokes & the Ku Klux Klan-Trojans (lose the “war”-to the Greeks)
• Stokes gets carried out on a mast (seafaring element)
Vernon T. Waldrip-Suitors
• Going to marry Penny
Everett’s daughters-Telemachus/ Fates (Three women who influence the story)
• Think their father is dead (“hit by a train”)
• Tell Everett about the suitor
The Blind Seer-Tiresias
* Accurately predicts the outcome of the trio's adventure
Mr. Lund--Homer
*Broadcaster of the story
About the laundry ladies, I think you meant Circe.
There are so many hilarious bits in this film. That said, when Charles Durning dances across the stage a the end, I lose it every time.
I was in high school when this film came out, and played the CD of the soundtrack every day. "Hard Time Killing Floor Blues" is still a mainstay on my hiking music playlist. Good times.
Uh, that's such a great piece. Right up there with "Man of Constant Sorrow."
the baptism was the lotus eaters, john goodman was the cyclops, the clothes washers at the river were the sirens. when he makes it home his wife is being courted by another man. there are a lot of odyssey refrences in this movie.
"My hair!!!" lol This is my favorite Clooney performance.
"Damn!We´re in a tight spot!"
He’s such a great comedic actor.
First thing he says every time he wakes up.
Fun fact about this film. Due to the large crowd stage scene near the end being filmed in Vicksburg, MS, My grandparents were extras in that scene. My uncle was also an extra as part of the chain gang.
If anyone wants to know where to look, there is a moment where they are right in the camera. It’s the part were everyone is clapping. 6 people are focused on in the frame. The two people in the center are doing the Do Si Do and two people on the left and right sides are clapping. Those two on the left are my grandparents.
th-cam.com/video/VVmXSnyLroM/w-d-xo.html 4:08 is the timestamp of the moment in this link. To point them out more. My grandmother is wearing a hat and in pink, my granddad is in a black suit.
You should watch "The fall(2006)".
it's possibly the most beautiful film ever made.
My favorite movie ever! Too bad it's so difficult to get hands on a copy
Extremely beautiful
Absolutely stunning film!
The main contribution of this movie to film history is that it was the first big Hollywood movie to use fully digital colour correction. It was a big deal in the late 90s
I always took it as the bounty hunter with the shades, that first showed up when they were burning to barn down, was the one who took Tommy's soul in exchange for the skill to play guitar. On account that his glasses make his eyes look "hollow" and he had a hound dog he travels with.
I mean, Hades and Cerberus go together.
I think this was one of the first films to use digital color grading. This was filmed in the summer, and all the yellows of the trees were graded from green in post to give it that fall look.
This is my favorite Coens movie. It also kind of singlehandedly revived interest in the bluegrass music scene when it came out.
Underrated line in this movie is when pappie is entering the radio station and he says " shake a leg junior, thank God your mommy died giving birth, if she'd a seen you she'd died of shame." such a southern comment.
"O Brother, Where Art Thou?" is based on Homer's The Odyssey .
I wrote a paper on this in highschool. Absolutely love this movie
Of course, most know this lol. He even mentions it in the video.
Of course, most know this lol. He even mentions it in the video.
Very loosely, but yes.
It smells like The Odyssey. That's about it. But the Coens famously make statements like this about their movies. They do it to be a little tongue-in-cheek.
Bit of interesting trivia about this movie, George Clooney's uncle was a preacher in Kentucky and George sent him his lines to record reading so George could get the accent for the movie. But being a preacher, his uncle crossed out the curses and substituted other words which makes him the only person to ever make changes to a Coen bros script. ;)
He talked about this in a Howard Stern interview. ;)
I love this movie. I bought the DVD as soon as it came out and watched it with my Mom (who just turned 90), and she recognized almost every song, particularly Big Rock Candy Mountain.
My high school film teacher was obsessed with this movie. I think we watched this and The Truman Show like 100 times.
Fun piece of film trivia - this movie basically invented digital color grading to give it the washed out blue-and sepia look. It's a standard practice now but scanning a film into a computer to edit it like that was unheard of at the time
That’s awesome, thanks for that
BTW the sheriff or whatever he is, is the devil. Tommy described the devil as having big empty eyes and a hollow voice and carrying a mean hound with him.
I LOVE this movie! In my top ten movies of all time! It makes even the American South in the '30s look like a goofy fun environment instead of a hateful bleak hellscape.
"Ooooohhhhhh yep yep yep yep - we gots to beat that competition....." :-) That and the governor being constantly exasperated with his son and staff has me laughing out loud every time I watch this (which is more than twice)
Them: What’s your favorite Cohen Bros film?
Me: I’m a Dapper Dan man myself.
There’s an amazing behind the scenes feature for this movie that can be found on youtube about how they basically invented a new form of color grading for it!!
14:09 Was wondering when you were going to mention the colour grading. There's a cool breakdown of it in the documentary Side By Side.
Thoroughly enjoyed your reaction. One of my favorite films. Being from the south, being from the bible belt. The lifestyles portrayed in this film still ring true today in this area in a lot of ways. Of course racism not so much (thankfully) but the tradition of old time religion, folk tales and gospel hymns. It always reminds me of home. Thanks for another great reaction.
I'd like to recommend a movie called Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.
Starring Sam Rockwell and directed by George Clooney.
"An adaptation of the cult memoir of game show impresario Chuck Barris (Sam Rockwell), in which he purports to have been a C.I.A. hitman."
That film is criminally underrated.
You are killing it with movies! Another one of my favorites. Could quote this whole movie!
Thanks Rebecca!
I genuinely love all the music in this movie.
"But you ain't bona fide!"
My favorite hahaha
Out of a lot of classics , never thought anyone would react to this one . Thanks for this one 💯
Great reaction brother! This is in my top 10 favorite movies of all time!
This could possibly be my favorite movie of all time. Everything from the characters, dialogue, camera work, story, it's all so good. My wife and I, even my sister, all love to quote this movie 😂
Another great choice, James. I liked this a lot, along with the fact that it is loosely based on The Odyssey. I became aware of Tim Blake Nelson and noticed him in other movies after this. Part of the humor is that George Clooney's character thinks he's smart.
Well, he kinda is. Quite well-spoken too.
Bit of trivia; did you know Tim Blake Nelson actually doesn't have a southern accent? He's darn good at it though.
@@Wh40kFinatic Also he really did sing that one song himself
@@cosesu8929 He sang in Buster Scruggs, so we know he can sing.
It is part of the Coen Brothers' sense of humour to declare something along the lines of "Based Upon The Odyssey" and not really meaning it. Although this film has a few characters who share superficial characteristics with some of the characters in ancient Greek literature, the fact is that they did not, in the least, base this movie on anything to do with the Classics. You can check it by listening to their answers, here on TH-cam. Sorry!
@@OronOfMontreal Yeah, found it and that does clinch it. Literally nobody better to get the info from than the brothers themselves. 😅
"Another thing I really love about the Cohen Brothers is that their....characters within their stories are always so distinct - visually and also just by their performances." I love that you get this. The first film of theirs that really grabbed me was Raising Arizona. They used to replay it all the time on Comedy Central, and one of the things that they really implemented a lot early in their careers - mostly with RZ, Miller's Crossing, Barton Fink, etc. - was their use of super wide lenses coupled with the movement of the camera on dolly shots as well as the slightly off-kilter performances of the actors which creates an interesting sort of unreality or surreality to their stories. So uniquely them and that's why I love them: no one else could take one of their scripts and come even close. Their style is so distinct.
The devil he was describing matches the look of the lawman chasing them with the sunglasses
The town square scene was filmed like 15 minutes from where I live. It was several viewings before I even realized I’d been there many times!
Plus the restaurant scene where they meet John Goodman is where we had our lunch breaks at a filmmaking summer camp I went to, which is in the same town square.
pappy O’Daniel amazing acting lol
Loved it
This has to be my favorite of your reaction videos yet. So much fun. Thank you!
😂😂😂 "What's your favorite kind of pie?". CUT TO: The Sirens. 😂😂😂
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Perfect timing!
😏
Every time George Clooney says " my hair " , that's funny af
John Goodman has an eyepatch because he is playing the part of the cyclops in the Odyssey.
I'm so glad you liked this as much as you did. It's also my favorite of theirs.
I watched this movie for the first time during Film Club in highschool. Absolutely loved it
Growing up with this film definitely shaped my sense of humor to what it is today
Did I recommend Quiz Show yet? It’s got Ralph Fiennes (Schindler’s List) and John Torturro from this film. Based on a real story.
One of my favorite films of all time. I love how this film, at least at first, became an adaptation of The Odyssey on accident. They were just making the film like normal when someone realized, "Wait, y'all, we're literally making The Odyssey, but set in the South." and they just went, "Fuck it, let's roll with it."
Such a great movie, I’m so thrilled you’re doing this one!!!
Thank you. Ive seen this movie so many times I can recite most of the lines🤭 so glad for your reaction🥰
Killer movie. Coen Brothers are talented artists, I don't think they've ever made a bad film. The actors are top-notch here too.
I was scrolling through somebody new to experience this movie but I saw you and I wanted to watch you watch it again I seen you do that a ridiculous number of times but I'm a big fan of yours bro
One of my favorite movies of all time. I’m so happy to finally see you react to it. You got a sub forever. Will be paying for your patroon very soon. Dude, you fucking rock.
The Coen brothers have an impressive back catalogue but I think this is one of their best. The cast, soundtrack, cinematography, editing, colour pallette, everything about this film drips with love and quality. A perfect movie in my opinion.
George Clooney's character is the living embodiment of Dunning/Kruger Effect, don't you think?
Check out "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind." Clooney directed and appears, but Sam Rockwell is mesmerizing.
So glad you liked this! My mom whose 83 just loves this one and Raising Arizona. Fantastic reaction.
Hot dog! It's the soggy-bottom boys!
What a name haha
@@JamesVSCinema lol! 😆
"Oh George. Not the livestock."
This movie is the only time in my life I've ever seen someone sweat through an eyepatch.
This is the second of my top 5 films you've done, and that's more than any other TH-camr. Lets fucking go
It's about time someone reacted to this movie. I've been asking my favs for months. I'm about to subscribe now
"Sometimes it takes a long time to sound like yourself."
-Miles Davis
Broooooo YES! Been waiting on a reaction to this, definitely holds a special place in my heart.. has one of the best songs from any movie, in my opinion.
Happy to hear!!
This Has Been My Favorite Movie Since 2001! And That Was At Thee Age Of 7!!
Had to laugh at the Sirens scene though, talking about how beautful the colour corrections were.... while the wet clothes were clinging to those strikingly beautiful women, and all I could think was 'colour corrections' was a euphamism lol