Daniel Corleone's Movie Review of A Serious Man

Rating of
4/4

A Serious Man

A Serious Man review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 01/02/12

In this critics view, it is the Coens' best philosophical and one of the most entertaining well paced films produced. Watch with subtitles and an open mind about a different religion for better appreciation. This is acquired taste, since not everybody would dig some scenes related to the presented religion. Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg) is a physics teacher. Clive, a student in Gopnik’s class, wanted to retake a test to get a passing grade. Judith (Sari Lennick), Larry’s wife, asks for a divorce or a get (ritual divorce). Danny (Aaron Wolff) owes twenty dollars for marijuana to an intimidating Hebrew school classmate. Judith and Larry meet Sy to talk about the necessary steps. Larry’s brother Arthur (Richard Kind) has been in trouble due to gambling while his son Danny smokes weed and Sarah busy with her hair. Larry visits a Rabbi and gets a sound advice from Rabbi Scott – “You can't cut yourself off from the mystical or you'll be-you'll remain-completely lost. You have to see these things as expressions of God's will.” Personal favorite quotes from the movie: Judith – “Well...things have changed.” Larry - “Actions always have consequences.” “What does it all mean?” “He never complains, unlike me.” “…It’s not fair to judge.” “Help others.” “Sometimes you need to help yourself.” and from Arlen – “Just relax.” One of many hilarious scenes was Sy’s counting, “it’s a long story” scene and the call about the record club membership.

The picture had a lot of symbolism's and themes of unresolved questions, providence, uncertainties, faith, vanity, morality, marriage, family and regret. Here are some of these reviewers interpretation of some baffling scenes: 1. The dream sequences are the subconscious nature of Larry’s ideal preferences like making love to his neighbor and giving the money to Arthur. 2. The open ended conclusion makes us realize that whatever happens to Larry and his family is God’s will as mentioned in the dialogue of the film. It makes the viewers think about the ending, be it positive or negative. 3. Characters of Mrs. Samsky and Arthur are temptation exemplified with adultery and gambling respectively. Soundtrack, acting and score was exceptional and extraordinary screenplay is one of the best created by the brothers. A Serious Man may not appeal to most people, for this critic, the mix of thought provoking dialogues and realistic characters was a delight. This line could sum up the film as a whole: “The Uncertainty Principle. It proves we can't ever really know... what's going on. So it shouldn't bother you. Not being able to figure anything out.” This could be cult favorite for people who enjoy deep dialogues and black comedies such as this critic, definitely for repeat viewings. A Serious Man is definitely much at par with a personal favorite, The Big Lebowski.

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