Drew's

Date Reviewed	10/23/2009
Title	A Serious Man
Rating
Directed By :	Ethan Coen and Joel Coen
Starring :	Michael Stuhlbarg, Richard Kind, Fred Melamed, Sari Lennick, Aaron Wolff, Jessica McManus and David Kang
Review	Set in 1967 in the Midwest, a man that attempts to do the right thing finds his life unraveling in almost every aspect. Michael Stuhlbarg stars as Larry Gopnik, a devoted Jewish family man and professor approaching the possible achievement of career tenure. His wife Judith is played by Sari Lennick. They have two children, a teenage daughter named Sarah and a twelve year old son named Danny. Danny’s bar mitzvah is nearing its ceremony. Richard Kind co-stars as the live in burden, Uncle Arthur. Little by little, issue by issue, Larry begins to face heavy adversity. He feels ripped off since he’s always tried to be “A Serious Man” with responsible decisions and behaving in the good. It’s a story about how life tests someone and their reaction to the overwhelming shit storm. Many will quote it’s not what happens to someone that builds character, but what happens with their conduct after learning about personal obstacles, rough patches and negative consequences. Now here’s a film that had me annoyed and frustrated throughout the entire picture. It’s a black comedy that soured me more than entertained or amused me. When someone’s a parent, they are in a leadership position. When someone is heavily involved with a religion, no matter the style, they are in a position of following. I find a great deal of contradiction in humanity when these situations cross paths. I am, however; fascinated when people attempt to guide the straight and narrow while becoming challenged by all sides. Good things should happen to good people. That’s when the saying “life isn’t fair” comes into play. I couldn’t stand all the characters. Larry is naïve with no balls. His children are reasons not to reproduce. His brother, the irresponsible burden, is a failed malcontent. Those appearing as Jewish authority figures repeat worthless unhelpful stories and speak until they find something to say. The man involved with his wife is repulsively patronizing. Michael Stuhlbarg looks like a kosher version of Tim Kasurinsky from early Saturday Night Live episodes. The entire movie is about failed communication by all parties centered on a passive reserved man. Some of the installed humor is one note jokes like Danny’s friend overusing the F word and passive/aggressive discussions with Larry’s wife and companion. The conclusion is a classic Coen brother’s finale where an incident is going to occur as a symbol of Karma or a lack of control. The metaphors are endless. Drew's Reviews, copyright 2009, Drewsmoviereviews.com, property of Drew Bean.