O Brother, Where Art Thou? [2000 film]

Chain gang fugitives have adventures.

Wonderful Coeny Coenness. I'm perplexed at how the most basic of lines manage to get a laugh out of me.

Concept: A
Story: B
Characters: B
Dialog: A
Pacing: B
Cinematography: B
Special effects/design: A
Acting: B
Music: A

Enjoyment: A plus

GPA: 3.6/4

"I'll Fly Away" by the Kassoy Sisters (twins), one of which was Irene, our music teacher in the 4th grade at Upton Elementary School In Beverly, MA. The Kassoys did not know that their music would be in the film.
I contacted Irene years ago and received a gracious reply. The Kassoys were from New York City. Irene (I believe) was married to Tony Saletan, a folk musician who had a local public television station music sing-a-long program (WGBH) in Boston. The elementary school kids gathered in a basement area of the school to watch the weekly program. You never know the impact teachers have on their students. I've been a life-long fan of traditional folk music. Thank you Irene and Ellen K.

"A Serious Comedy with wonderful characters..." Anon. reviewr on IMDB.com

2043

A comedic rendition of Homer's Odyssey. The film tries to sparkle with originality, but I am of the opinion that most American writers and directors have little command of the subtleties of originalty. O Brother meanders though Mississippi of the 1920's with George Clooney as Ulysses Everett McGill, John Goodman as Big Dan McTeague (Cyclops) and Holly Hunter as Penny Wharvey (Penelope), Ulysses dutiful wife. The characters are brought into the 20th Century with so-so wit and humour.