A Serious Man

Aside from Quentin Tarantino, the Coen brothers are my favourite unconventional film-makers. Ever since I saw Burn After Reading, I knew these guys are masters at what they do: creating a film which on paper seems pointless but on film just works. A Serious Man (2009) just proves there talent yet again.
Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg) is a maths teacher who has come to the realization that his world is falling down around his ears. He wants to know why his marriage is ending; why his kids don't talk to him anymore; why he's being sued for unintentionally being racist; why his brother is causing much more trouble for him than he expected. Larry finds an answer: to go consult with the Rabbi and restore his faith in humanity. Or try to understand humanity.
This movie clicks in all the right places. It's a dark comedy, true to the Coen brothers roots. Larry Gopnik is a confused character, but he is charmingly likeable and some could totally relate to him. The chaos surrounding this film fits into a big character based examination of life when it sucks.
This is traditional Coens, it's a tiny film which packs a big punch. A Serious Man definitely deserved it's place among the ten nominees for Best Picture at the Oscars. It's just sad that this film went by un-noticed at the cinemas and wound up on DVD to little interest. This movie is for those who have a discerning interest in movies, as it wont disappoint.
8/10