"A Serious Man" Review

The Coen Brothers’ "A Serious Man" is a dark, cynical, and comedic take on one man’s spiritual crisis.  It is perhaps the Coen’s most personal and thought provoking work.  The film is a contemplation on the role of religion in a conservative Jew’s life.  Other themes explored are relationships, adultery, and morality.  “A Serious Man” poses many questions and provides few answers. 

The premise centers on the battle of Larry Gopnik, played by Michael Stuhlberg, vs. fate. Larry's life is spiraling out of control, and he will do anything to fix it.  His job at his risk, his family is breaking down, and his health is in question. Larry struggles through life-changing hardships, attempting to sail stormy seas by a vessel of religious faith. Stuhlbarg’s performance as  a victim of the universe reeks of desperation, just as it should.

Larry's Neighborhood

The setting is the midwestern Suburban Hell of the 1960s.  Larry lives with his spiteful wife and his two ungrateful children within the confines of a     generic, boring neighborhood.  The unraveling that ensues is enough to question the family man ethos.

Aaron, Larry's only son, receives the second-most screen time of the film.  He battles typical problems of a 13 year-old such as studying for his Bar Mitzvah, dodging the drug-dealer he is indebted to, and trying to get his father to fix the poor television reception.  Aaron and his friends provide comedic relief through some of the funniest dialogue in the movie.

 The Coens are masters of capturing different time eras, and "A Serious Man"is their take on the '60s.  The soundtrack includes '60 classics "Somebody To Love" by Jefferson Airplane and "Machine Gun" by Jimi Hendrix.

The set-designs costumes, lighting, and unique camera shots help make the film a knock-out visually.  There is a visual darkness to the film that aids in the storytelling.

Sy Abelman greets Larry

Sy Abelman, played to perfection by Fred Melamed, steals every scene he appears in.  Sy is Larry’s worst nightmare.  He is a devout Jew, secure in his faith, and is also in a relationship with Larry’s wife, Judith.  Sy's emotions jump off the screen.  He is unrestrained and never phased in the slightest.  Sy is a vintage Coen Brothers character who will not soon be forgotten.  

There is a focus on Judaism and its culture throughout the film.   When Larry voices his issues to close friends and family, their responses are invariably, "Did you talk to the Rabbi?"  Other than providing the Coens with an opportunity to indulge in ambitious camera shots, the Jewish motif will appeal to anyone who has ever practiced a religion.  The theme is more about the concept of religion than it is about the religion of Judaism.



Thought provoking films can be highly rewarding.  They are the most ambitious endeavors and possess the most potential for greatness.  A Serious Man is a thought provoking film that explores the meaning of life, God, and religion.  Pair that with the film’s penchant for gorgeous shots, witty dialogue, and an outstanding soundtrack, and that is a recipe for an elite film.  The plot will not appeal to everyone.  There is no steadfast beginning and end to the story.  The film's themes loom larger because of the plot's uncertainty.  

3.5 / 4 Stars