#MTOS - Sunday 22nd March - The Coen Brothers

Movie Talk on Sunday

Sunday 22nd March - THE COEN BROTHERS

 

 

Way out west... or east, as relative to your particular geographical location, there are these fellas... fellas I wanna #MTOS about. Fellas by the name of Joel and Ethan Coen. Writers, directors, editors, they really just get their hands into whatever part of the process they can, and the resulting films are every inch a Coen Brothers movie. Their characters are unique, their dialogue is sharp, and their stories, well, they can kinda ramble. They span genres and period settings; they adapt books and write their own scripts; and they consistently work with some of the best character actors alive. They found their cinematic niche and they fit right in where they are and when they...... aw... I lost my train of thought here. But... aw, hell. I've done introduced them enough. Let's get to business.

Starting at 20:00 (GMT) on Sunday 22nd March 2015, I'll ask one question every 10 minutes. Just make sure you include the question number and the #MTOS hashtag in your tweets when you answer. That way we can keep track of who says what, making discussion and debate that little bit clearer. For example:

 

"#MTOS A1. I feel like they're the most geniusest filmmakers ever,

even if they never answer any of my letters."

So, please follow me on Twitter (@PaulCinephile), retweet the link and get folk involved in the event. I look forward to seeing what sides we all end up taking, and just what kind of new shit will come to light.

You are about to enter a world of topic questions:

1. First up... what are your feelings on the Coen brothers? Are they genius filmmakers, or too damn smart for their own good?

2. Of all the very unique and interesting characters that populate their films, which Coen character is your favourite? Why?

3. The Coens practically have their own repertory company of returning actors. Who do you think does the best work with what the brothers give them?

4. There are some incredibly striking images within the Coen brothers filmic oeuvre. What is your favourite shot of all their films? (Yes, tweet it if you can)

5. Music is a crucial element in Coen films. What is your favourite use of music from any of their films?

6. The Coens notoriously love their own writing. What is your favourite piece of Coen brothers dialogue?

7. They've tried their hand at adaptations a number of times, with varying levels of success. Is there a work you'd like to see get the Coen brothers treatment?

8. Their remake of The Ladykillers is regarded as the lowpoint for the Coens. Where do you stand on it: unfairly maligned or rightly dismissed?

9. The concept of Good & Evil (morality, sin, etc.) is a strong throughline in the Coens' work. In which film do you feel this is best represented?

10. You're talking to someone who has never heard of the Coens. What would be the first film you would recommend as an introduction to their work?

Well, I hope you folks enjoyed yourselves. Catch ya further on down the trail... Say friend, ya got any more of that good sarsaparilla?