“O Brother, Where Art Thou?” is a 2000 comedy-adventure film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. The movie is loosely based on Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey” and is set in the 1930s during the Great Depression.
The film follows three escaped convicts, Ulysses Everett McGill (played by George Clooney), Pete Hogwallop (played by John Turturro), and Delmar O’Donnell (played by Tim Blake Nelson), as they embark on a journey to find a hidden treasure. Along the way, they encounter various strange and eccentric characters and get involved in a series of misadventures.
The trio faces challenges and obstacles, including run-ins with law enforcement, a trio of dangerous sirens, and encounters with a mysterious one-eyed Bible salesman named Big Dan Teague (played by John Goodman). The film is filled with humor, quirky characters, and memorable moments, all set against the backdrop of the rural American South.
The soundtrack of “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” plays a significant role in the film, featuring traditional American folk, bluegrass, and gospel music, which earned critical acclaim and popularity, winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2002.
The Coen Brothers’ masterful direction, combined with the stellar performances of the cast and the unique blend of comedy, drama, and musical elements, has made “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” a beloved classic in the Coen Brothers’ filmography and a favorite among movie enthusiasts worldwide.
Additional Details
- Movie Studio: Touchstone Pictures
- Year Released: 2000
- Type of Movie: Live Action
- Box Office: $71.9 million
- Awards: Nominated Academy Awards; Won Golden Globe
- IMDB Link
- Rotten Tomatoes Link
Cast
- George Clooney: Ulysses Everett McGill
- John Turturro: Pete Hogwallop
- Tim Blake Nelson: Delmar O’Donnell
- Chris Thomas King: Tommy Johnson
- Frank Collison: Washington Bartholomew “Wash” Hogwallop
- John Goodman: Daniel “Big Dan” Teague
- Holly Hunter: Penny Wharvey-McGill,
- Charles Durning: Menelaus “Pappy” O’Daniel
- Daniel von Bargen: Sheriff Cooley
- Wayne Duvall: Homer Stokes
- Ray McKinnon: Vernon T. Waldrip
- Michael Badalucco: George Nelson
- Stephen Root: Mr. Lund
- Lee Weaver: the Blind Seer
Crew
- Director: Joel Coen
- Producer: Ethan Coen
- Writers: The Coen Brothers
- Music: T Bone Burnett