“A Serious Man” is the latest cinema offering by Joel and Ethan Coen who wrote, produced and directed the film. It is the story of life in 1967 in the Midwest and how one man tries to cope with the trials, tribulations and circumstances that can befall (and probably have befallen) many of us. With definite semitic leanings and under the umbrella of that culture, the film represents quality set decorating, editing, acting, writing and directing that is not only crisp, well paced and insightful but humorous as it explores the human condition, especially from the point of view of a Jewish middle class American male.. Said to be somewhat autobiographical, the Coen Brothers bring a light and easy to watch experience as our hero parades through each day.
Although the cast is not made of what we would call “superstars”, each actor appears to have been handpicked and is almost perfect for the role he or she plays. Michael Stuhlbarg, who stars in the film, is ably aided and abetted by Richard Kind, Fred Melamed, Sari Lennick, Adam Arkin, Aaron Wolff and Jessica McManus. This ensemble of talented people helps us to enjoy the one hour and 45 minutes of really good filmmaking. I give this film 3 and ½ stars knowing full well that without the religious and ethnic background which permeates each scene, I might have enjoyed it less. The old saying “You don’t have to be Jewish” may be true here but, like Chicken Soup, I can’t see how it would hurt.
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