A Different Kind Of Film

Rating: 8/10 (28 June 2014)

When I first saw the trailer to this, I didn't really have any urge to rush out and see it. It just didn't seem like a movie I would enjoy. But over time I kind of gained an interest in checking it out, and I'm glad I finally did. It's different for sure, but interesting, and there's a lot there.
The whole movie is extremely aimless and roams around, just like the main character it follows. Llewyn Davis kind of roams around himself, sleeping on couches and just taking it a day at a time. He doesn't exactly have a specific goal in this film, lie most films would. It also doesn't really wrap the whole thing up at the end. But it's not exactly about that. It's about the journey he goes on and what he learns. I thought the whole cat situation he gets involved in was interesting, and there's a lot to look into regarding that ("Llewyn is the cat"). There's also a weird connection between the first few minutes of the film and the last few minutes, where it almost feels like some kind of time loop. I think due to the nature of some of the discussions in the film about Llewyn just not trying to change and letting things happen to him again and again, I think the loop worked. It may confuse some, but I think it is really neat. I'm sure on a second viewing I would pick up on more.
The performances were great. Oscar Isaac is really captivating as Llewyn. I found myself interested in whatever he was doing, not matter how simple, and that's extremely important in a film like this where the plot is so aimless. There are also performances by Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake and even Adam Driver that are great (also that other guy from Girls appears which is kind of funny). I also really enjoyed the music. While it's not the kind of music I would listen to normally, it's really well done and great to listen to.
Overall I think this is a unique film that's worth a watch. It does a lot of subtle and interesting things that keep you interested throughout, and it's a movie that would benefit from a second watch.