This movie could have been titled "Tsuris" or, if you are not an insider, "Life sucks and then you die." Another masterpiece by the Coen Brothers who, on the strength of this film, have moved up on my directors depth chart to the number one spot, edging out Martin Scorcese. Serious Man takes place in 1967 and is about a nebbish (not to be confused with a schlub or schlemiel) physics professor whose life turns to garbage. There is a great cast of characters and classic scenes with neighbors, family members, rabbis, attorneys, doctors, colleagues and even a voice on the phone inquiring about overdue payments to a record club.
In the midst of his worst and most shattering moments, our hero's 13-year-old son, who is anticipating his bar mitzvah, is most concerned with his dad adjusting the antennae on the roof so that the son can get better reception to watch F-Troop on his black-and-white TV. Among the scenes that I loved in this movie is one with a rabbi with whom our hero seeks counsel. The rabbi tells him a story that a dentist told him. I won't say more about that, except to say that the story itself and the telling of the story are mesmerizing and hilariously brilliant. And there are many, many more unforgettable scenes.
One caveat; this is not a movie for everyone. However, if you don't get turned off by ethnic movies, Jewish in this case, and if you have a taste for the Coens (with a touch of David Lynch) then this is a must see. If you cannot deal with weird stuff and offbeat films, then stay home.
In the midst of his worst and most shattering moments, our hero's 13-year-old son, who is anticipating his bar mitzvah, is most concerned with his dad adjusting the antennae on the roof so that the son can get better reception to watch F-Troop on his black-and-white TV. Among the scenes that I loved in this movie is one with a rabbi with whom our hero seeks counsel. The rabbi tells him a story that a dentist told him. I won't say more about that, except to say that the story itself and the telling of the story are mesmerizing and hilariously brilliant. And there are many, many more unforgettable scenes.
One caveat; this is not a movie for everyone. However, if you don't get turned off by ethnic movies, Jewish in this case, and if you have a taste for the Coens (with a touch of David Lynch) then this is a must see. If you cannot deal with weird stuff and offbeat films, then stay home.