Inside Llewyn Davis

I have a weakness for films about people drifting through life aimlessly. Too recognisable I suppose. Wonderful music, doesn't get lost in nostalgia for a specific period, and I loved the understated tragedy of it all. A strong cast with either settled down folks stuck on repeat or happy with being bland, and the ones trying to grasp for something greater but slowly, quietly failing.

And the Oscar for "Best Use of a Cat" goes to... I loved the meandering plot. It did a wonderful job showing how cyclical life can be, even for struggling artists who are desperately striving to stay out of the repetitive life of working a 9-5. I related to protagonist more than is probably healthy considering he is often a selfish dick. I loved the music and the acting. Coens never have bad cinematography. Just a real treat, albeit a somewhat depressing one. I like depressing treats though.

I saw this with a songwriter from Nashville. His critique: "It's far too real". And then we realized, talent is cheap. In Los Angeles, Nashville --- everyone's talented, and everyone works hard. So who should give a shit? When the Coens frame the film like a skipping record, what changes? The last performance? No --- that performance was there at the beginning. He didn't see it and neither did we. All that Orphic self-seeking tragedy doesn't fuel his art, it hides that potential already there.

The Coens continue to amaze with probably the most mature, yet simple, narrative to date. The love we have for their quirky characters is supplanted by a tragic antihero that is wholly relatable. Gorgeous photography and the best soundtrack of the year round out one the Coens' best works. Oscar Isaac is a force to be reckoned with.

Pretty good movie. The Coen brothers continue their expertise writing and directing with inside Llewyn Davis, as well acted and well written movie about a poor man traveling place to place with his guitar and talents (and sometimes a cat) A little mean spirited, but the music is excellent and the performances make it worth a watch as well. Beautifully filmed.