And finally...

1) A Serious Man:

For those who have seen the film, ask yourselves, “What was The Big Lebowski ultimately about?” The Coens’ have suggested that they were strongly influenced by films like “The Big Sleep” and the detective novels of Raymond Chandler. The narratives of these mysteries were intentionally convoluted so as to confuse both the audience and the central characters. Other film scholars have suggested that the religious symbolism, both overt (Don’t mess with the Jesus!) and subtle (Jeff Bridges’ appearance throughout), inherent in the film is a commentary about struggle between nihilism and Christian values in modern America. My ever-changing theories about the film usually involve explanations about government decisions to engage in war; is it any wonder that Donnie, the moderate voice of reason is killed off, but the neo-conservative hawk Walter and the overly passive “Dude” endure?

But despite the intelligence and complexity of Lebowski, the true brilliance of the film comes from the fact that it can be celebrated as a comedic masterpiece by those that never consider the relative importance of Vietnam. People who want nothing more than an excuse to don a robe and drink White Russians are equally likely to enjoy the film. Don’t expect stoners and frat-boys to be hosting viewings of A Serious Man ten years from now, as this film steers more toward the former component of “dark comedy.” However, there are many similarities between these Coen films, which is probably why I chose it as my favorite of 2009.

A Serious Man focuses on the life of Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg), a Jewish professor whose life is turned upside down by a series of unfortunate events. His wife leaves him for a family friend, his druggie son and image-conscious daughter do not appreciate him, his students attempt to bribe and blackmail him during the week he is being reviewed for tenure, his weird cyst-wielding brother is taking advantage of his generosity, and his bigoted neighbor has cut part of his lawn (which is upsetting for some reason). As the story progresses, problems pile up for Gopnik to an almost comical degree.

So what is A Serious Man about exactly? The obvious initial explanation is that it is an updated adaptation of the story of Job, a man who is tested beyond his capacity by God and Satan. To say that Gopnik is tested is an understatement; he continues to seek out religious advice even though he finds little solace or explanation from Jewish leaders. Then there are metaphysical explanations offered by people with far more expertise than myself. Could an entire film really be a metaphor for the Schrödinger's cat paradox? Perhaps the film is about the turbulence of the 1960s. Certainly, the important component parts (sex, drugs, and Jefferson Airplane) are all present as another middle-class suburban family is thrown into upheaval.

Before my head explodes searching for deeper meaning, a few words about the production of the film. The Coens selected a group of mostly unknown actors for this film. This ensured that the quality of the acting would drive the plot instead of a familiarity with household names. Once again, the Coens strike gold, as Stuhlbarg is brilliant as the tormented protagonist. He masterfully displays the anxiety and exasperation of a man who never truly understands what he’s up against. And yet, despite the mounting tragedy of his life, I never felt completely sympathetic to his situation. Gopnik is a passive character, allowing events to occur to him without really fighting back. With everything his character goes through, he could have at least received an Oscar nomination for his trouble. The other star of the film is Fred Melamed, playing Sy Ableman, the widowed man who breaks up Gopnik’s family. His onscreen persona is quite rewarding to watch, as he warmly explains Gopnik’s impending divorce with the affection and detachment of a psychologist. His character is both audaciously humorous and strangely disturbing at the same time. Like Lebowski, A Serious Man is filled with quirky, and often despicable, characters. How the Coens continue to imagine these characters is truly an unsolvable mystery. Few, if any, directors have seen the type of continued success that the Coens have experienced over the last decade.

As for the ultimate meaning of the film, I remain as confused as Gopnik. Maybe A Serious Man is twentieth century take on Jewish parables or an embodiment of the struggle “the chosen people” have endured for centuries. Maybe the film is about the battle between science and religion in the modern age. Maybe Gopnik is just another character doomed by the fatalistic environment the Coens have imagined. Or maybe it’s about none of these things and I should just stop thinking and watch. But where would be the fun in that?

A Serious Man: 5/5