Res Hall Review -rws -jcr -dlh

Reid Stratton

***O Brother, Where Art Thou?*** (2000)
***Running Time***: 106 min.
***Stars***: George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson
***Found at***: OrmsbyIn a retelling of sorts of Homer’s “Odyssey,” three convicts go on a search for treasure in the 1920s South. Along the way they meet, among others, a cyclops, some sirens, a soul-selling bluesman, and a blind prophet *******– plus they record a hit country music record. Though their travels take them to strange places, the trio of thieves eventually makes it home, even if trouble has made it there first.

***Comments***: Just five years old, this movie is probably at the top of many people’s lists. And why not? It has the epic scope of “The Odyssey” with the familiar and comforting feel of the down-home South. The movie takes place at a time when real-life heroes like Pretty Boy Floyd were also roaming the country, which somehow lends some authenticity to the outlandish adventures that occur. Often following the socialist vein of the day, “O Brother” allows the everyman to defeat big business and politics, thereby setting free all those who feel oppressed by the ultimate super villain *******– banks. So if you haven’t seen this film yet, do yourself a favor and sit down on a Friday night with this epic down-home film, if only to hear the great soundtrack. ***A-***