Whether we choose to admit it or not, we’re driven by some level of faith that something lies beyond our current plane of existence. Some of us simply hope so, some profess not to care, others will go wholeheartedly into some form of religion.
And the search for God–however you view that particular concept–is a compelling one, especially when you tell a story about someone whose faith is being tested. To that end the Coen Brothers have come up with A Serious Man, the first of two films we’ll be looking at in this episode.
The Coens are known for cribbing from other stories to create their own tales, and in this case the Coens have come up with a story that will give you echoes of the Biblical story of Job. It’s not as direct a pull as their using Homer’s Odyssey as the germ of O Brother, Where Art Thou? but you’ll still recognize the broader pieces of the tale.
In the second half of the episode we have a less-linear story in The Tree of Life.
Terrence Malik has written and directed this sprawling story that starts in the 1960s, jumps to present-day and then goes back to the birth of the universe. And that’s just in the first few minutes of the film.
Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain are the O’Briens, a couple that learns their teenage son has died. Over the years it appears that they still haven’t quite gotten over the loss. We go back and forth through their lives and see how their divergent philosophies shaped their son. We’re making it sound complex, but it’s actually not and you’ll come away from the film with a good feeling.
COMING ATTRACTIONS:
In our next episode we look at the first of a couple of careers cut short; one by choice and the other, not. Reel 94 will feature Grace Kelly and her performances in Rear Window and To Catch a Thief. Join us, won’t you?
Leave a Reply