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The Ladykillers (2004)
Let's Just Pretend Allen Smithee Directed It
I do not recommend this movie to comedy fans and have, instead, included recommendations of better Coen Brothers films below. However...
I do recommend The Ladykillers to aspiring filmmakers as a valuable study.
This film is an excellent example of what happens when the director has problems getting all the actors (and production crew) to share the same vision for the TONE of the movie. In that respect, it is similar to "She Devil" where all of the actors had wildly different interpretations of the overall comedic tone.
Both films illustrate how important it is for the director to NOT ONLY have a distinct vision but how essential it is to select a cast that share and support the director's interpretation of the material.
In Hollywood film director's frequently replace their name with the moniker "Allen Smithee" on films they wish to be disassociated from. The Coen Brothers didn't in this case so you have to admire them for standing by it. Although this turkey does alter their otherwise near perfect run of creating some of the most distinctly unique films of their generation they still have a remarkable batting average.
I would hate for this film to be anyone's introduction to the Coen Brother's otherwise brilliant body of work, so skip The Ladykillers unless you are viewing it as a lesson in what went wrong.
If you are interested in exploring Coen Brothers comedies I suggest:
"Oh Brother Where Art Thou" "Intollerable Cruelty" "Raising Arizona" "Barton Fink"
...which are all visually unique as well as side-splitting funny, and brilliantly executed. They all hit home runs with their pitch-perfect tone.
I also loved Hudsucker Proxy but it isn't for everyone. Fans of 1930's screwball comedies are likely to appreciate it though. Jennifer Jason Leigh performance is an homage to screwball legend Kate Hepburn and the famous fast-talking literary wit Dorothy Parker.
"The Big Lebowski" is especially appreciated by people familiar with Southern California culture but also a cult favorite with laid back dudes and underachievers everywhere. The bowling lane scenes with John Turturro are so visually quirky and hilarious you will laugh until your ribs hurt.
Their excellent dramas include their debut "Blood Simple" and "Miller's Crossing."
Last of all, if you have been trapped under a rock and somehow missed "Fargo" run as fast as you can and buy or rent it right now! It is the Coen Brother's creme-de-la-creme of film-making achievement.
The Grass Harp (1995)
Truman Capote's Vision Comes to Life...Exquisitely!
A wonderful adaptation of a favorite book. The casting is fun and unexpected and once you see the film it is hard to imagine anyone else in the roles - they just ARE the characters.
The style and tone of the directing are pitch-perfect. The period and setting were captured in every detail. The cinematography looks like a painting and the score is hauntingly beautiful.
The exquisite performances make you forget you are watching world class famous stars. They just crawl inside the skin of the characters and bring them to life. Mr. Capote would have loved it.
The movie made me laugh and made me cry. I wish the DVD had deleted scenes and extras because I was left wanting more.
I am off to buy the soundtrack.