Review of The Man Who Wasn't There (2001) by Spangle — 04 Jun 2016
The Man Who Wasn't There did not live up to my personal expectations, but it is a solid neo-noir film from the Coen Brothers. Billy Bob Thornton and Frances McDormand do very well here, especially Thornton who perfectly plays the role as the subtle and quiet barber.
As is typical of all of their films, The Man Who Wasn't There bears many trademarks of the Coens, both narratively through their use of witty and quirky humor at times. The cinematography from Roger Deakins is phenomenal and truly a wonder to behold at times.
That said, the film never rises to the level of the Coens' typical works. Too slow and too distant, The Man Who Wasn't There never entertains to the level expected even if it is a technically brilliant film from beginning to end.
I wanted to love this one, but it just felt too subtle and too lacking in substance to be a truly great film.
This review of The Man Who Wasn't There (2001) was written by Spangle on 04 June 2016.
The Man Who Wasn't There has generally received very positive reviews.
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