Inside Llewyn Davis: 2013

Enter the year 1961, Greenwich Village. Hole in the wall clubs and bars house an open mic for starving folk artists. The streets and sidewalks are woven together with the wealthy and the less successful. And here, slid in between the record sleeves of his past and present, stands Llewyn Davis, a folk singer struggling to make a living in New York. Being homeless, his trek to find shelter at the mercy of his friends mimics his trek to become recognized by the public of the Chicago and New York night life. The film is complimented by its own soundtrack composed by Oscar Isaac as Llewyn, Carey Mulligan as Jean Berkley, and Justin Timberlake as Jim Berkley. Jean and Jim, who appear as a saving grace to Llewyn, are only characterized by their ability to keep him out of the gutter for a couple of days. Not much attention is put on them as respectable characters, and this might have to do with Davis’ callous and sarcastic attitude which has keep him distant from his close friends and even his father. 

Oscar Isaac is wonderfully cold in his role as Llewyn, however, there is overwhelming beauty among the awkward and inconvenient tone. This in a way provides a sort of contrast between the main character's journey and the main character himself. This works in the same way that the music does. It sets a very sad but relaxing and calming tone. It feels to me like the blissful thought of losing all hope; terribly bitter, but terribly content. I've been playing around with this theory that llewyn's music has lost all meaning to him. He needs to sing to make a living, but he doesn't care about what he's singing (at least anymore). And there's sort of an irony to that because he needs to care in order to sell what he's singing in order to sell his new album, entitled, "Inside Llyewn Davis". But I don't think there's anything inside him. Or at least that's what I think. I haven't seen any admiration or thanks or anything good come from him, besides his music. I don't think there's anything inside him worth selling, or worth buying. But that's just my theory. 

The film is directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, in my opinion one of the most versatile film makers to date, and “Inside Llewyn Davis” is no exception to their unwavering talent. The film is a tragedy, but it isn’t sad. That is to say that nothing good ever happens to Davis or anyone ever. He isn’t a kind or caring person in the least, and one could make the argument that he deserves every slab of misfortune served to him. However, nearing the third quarter of the film we begin to understand the basis for Llewyn’s constantly contemptuous disposition, and you start to feel bad for him. You don’t want him to overcome these obstacles because he is deserves to, but because you are the only person that understands the cause for his unhappiness.  “Inside Llewyn Davis” is an honorable mention for one of the Coen brothers’ best films.  

7.9/10