The Man Who Wasn't There
THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE (15)
D: Joel Coen
Working Title/Gramercy (Ethan Coen)
US 2001
116 mins
Thriller
W: Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
DP: Roger Deakins
Ed: Roderick Jaynes & Tricia Cooke
Mus: Carter Burwell
PD: Dennis Gassner
Cos: Mary Zophres
Billy Bob Thornton (Ed Crane), Frances McDormand
(Doris Crane), Michael Badalucco (Frank Raffo), James Gandolfini (Dave Brewster), Richard Jenkins (Walter Abundas), Scarlett Johansson (Rachel Abundas)
The Coen Brothers tribute to film noir stars Billy Bob
Thornton as a laconic, chain-smoking barber who blackmails his wife's philanderous boss into investing in a new business, set up by a shyster salesman, but the plans soon turn sour.
As with most of their works, it will appeal mostly to fans of
the Coen Brothers films. For those who aren't, there's still a fantastic performance from Thornton to enjoy, as well as some atmospheric, gloomy B&W photography from masterful cinematographer
Roger Deakins.
8/10
