Words fail to adequately describe the job that Nelson does. His expressions are priceless and are never overplayed. The scene in which he believes Pete has been turned into a horny toad by a trio of sirens is hysterically funny. The Coen brothers again rely on quirky humor, unusual characters, awesome cinematography and an inventive script to tell their story. The music is integral to the telling of the story and it fits perfectly.
Redemption is a major theme to the film, although often irreverently discussed.
McGill reminds them that Mississippi is apt to be a mite less forgiving than the Lord. Throughout their quest, the various obstacles they face are met and vanquished, even those which seem insurmountable. Given the limited mental resources of our heroes, this lends credence to the belief that, as in the Greek tale, a divine power was watching over them. This is not a far-fetched mythological fantasy to the Christian believer. For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.