THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE
For B/W phtography and quirky drama lovers only!
3 stars [(2001)USA]- (1 hr. 56 min.)
Directed by Joel Coen
Screenplay by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
Lead Characters/Cast
Ed Crane - Billy Bob Thornton
Doris Crane - Frances McDormand
Big Dave - James Gandolfini
Review:
Joel & Ethan Coen have brought us some interesting films in the past (FARGO, RAISING ARIZONA, BARTON FINK, O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU?), and this film tries to capture elements from all of their previous work.
Unfortunately, it falls a little short of the mark.
Billy Bob Thornton (MONSTER'S BALL, BANDITS) & James Gandolfini (THE MEXICAN, THE LAST CASTLE) do their darnedest to keep it afloat but I think even Coen Bros. fans will still be a bit disappointed - some, only slightly. Frances McDormand (Joel Coen's wife, currently working with NY's Wooster Group onstage) has a completely thankless part - the chain-smoking wife (a waste of talent).
Scarlett Johansson (GHOST WORLD) does manage to steal a few scenes.
If you've never seen a Coen Bros. film - I say - rent FARGO - save this one for later.
BUT - if u love B/W cinematography - it's the only non-color film out there - so catch it in a theater quick.
Supporting Characters/Cast
Frank - Michael Badalucco
Ann Nirdlinger - Katherine Borowitz
Creighton Tolliver - Jon Polito
Birdy Abundas - Scarlett Johansson
Walter Abundas - Richard Jenkins
Freddy Riedenschneider - Tony Shalhoub
Carcanogues - Adam Alexi-Malle
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