Interesting Character Study

Rating: 7/10 (18 January 2014)

The Coen brothers previous musically themed effort, O brother, Where Art Thou, proved that the boys have a knack for finding good music. Llewyn Davis is a struggling folk singer in New York in 1961. Oscar Isaac is a revelation in the title role. He has a great voice and hits just the right tone as a somber, starving and wandering artist. Carey Mulligan is a girlfriend and fellow singer, who, besides being an excellent actress, is also a talented singer. The entire cast is good, and the Coen's script has the expected sardonic humor we have come to expect. I am taking away a point for an extended scene with John Goodman which is funny for a few minutes, but drags on and is out of place in this film. The music is beautiful and makes this a movie worth watching.