Comments on: A Serious Man Review

By: Mason

Mason — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:26:27 +0000

I just watched ASM, and liked it a lot, but was mystified by all the hidden meanings on the first viewing. A lot went over my head on the first viewing. Then I found this analysis, which helped me appreciate it much more. http://theamericanscene.com/2009/10/09/Some+Thoughts+on+A+Serious+Man
Wow. Can’t wait to see how the film plays for me in a 2nd viewing after some time passes.
Also, I think this is the darkest of all their “comedies”. More of a drama with a lot of weirdness. Similar in tone to Burn after Reading, but smaller in scope. Actually there were a lot of references to The Big Lebowski, but they could have been unintentional. (Santana’s Abraxis contains Oyo Como Va, the song that plays over the scene in TBL where they are driving back from Larry Seller’s house eating In N’ Out Burgers. Shabbas).

By: Goon

Goon — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 06:20:20 +0000

“There is no concrete ending…”

I think thats a simple analysis. The ending is both a new beginning and a statement about everything that has just happened… from the carrying on of the curse, hints that it is punishment for Larry’s changing the grade after everything else had seemingly started to be better for him, and of course a reference to the book of Job (God as a storm) which the movie is loosely based on.

So it has multiple levels, and yes there is ambiguity, but that is also one of the major themes of the film, action/inaction, not being sure what to do, and all of that is set up with that opening “Dybbuk?” scene.

I still think its a perfect movie, but I guess in order to think that you have to be fine with a film that doesn’t wrap up everything in a neat little bow. It’s not like a Clint Eastwood or Taylor Hackford movie where they’ll flash back so the dumbest person in the room gets exactly what is intended. If this movies a problem, don’t even think of renting Synecdoche New York.

By: Craig

Craig — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 04:37:45 +0000

The movie was mediocre to say the least up until the end when it took a nose dive into being completely superflous. There is no concrete ending (it just cuts out after introducing new crucial elements to the story line). I know that the latter statement will ultimately send up some flares on the subjectivity of ‘art’ in films and everyone has an interpretation and blah, blah, but how can you interpret something that isn’t presented? Assumptions? From my experience, assumptions have never satisfied a lacking plot structure or curiosity. This movie was very forgettable and very jewish.

By: mike

mike — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:41:19 +0000

Just saw this movie. As a man of a certain age, I thought it was terrific, a perfect film. My teenage daughters fell asleep/ It is a man’s movie.

By: Goon

Goon — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:12:40 +0000

dictionary definition

“4. The pattern of events or main story in a narrative or drama.”

So with this in mind, I’d like to hear any detailed response about how ASM has no plot, rather than just assertions.

By: Goon

Goon — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:10:55 +0000

I have to wonder what some peoples definitions of ‘plot’ is when they don’t think there’s any plot to this film. Especially strange to hear complaints about it from someone who doesn’t see it through to the end.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 04:43:03 +0000

Left the movie half way through…..it was god awful. No plot to speak of. I think you may need to be Jewish to like or understand any of the stick. Terrible!!!!!

By: Goon

Goon — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:32:45 +0000

can you expand on any of that Anthony, because I see assertions but nothing to back yourself up with.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:54:46 +0000

A headache. A disgrace for the Coen brothers. Few moments. No plot. No purpose. A worst movie of the year. Do not pay money or your time to see this. You will leave dissapointed.

By: xego

xego — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:02:15 +0000

I feel guilty not going to see this in the theater. I feel personal responsibility to support filmmakers that bring us quality.

By: Tommy

Tommy — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:40:56 +0000

I will probably buy it used (DVD). Looks good and I can relate to some of it.

By: Jim the Movie Freak

Jim the Movie Freak — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:13:02 +0000

Best film of the year, I think : )