Movies Under the Stars at the Water Tower Recreation Center on Friday, Aug. 2, will feature the Coen brothers' classic, "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"
The movie follows the misadventures of Ulysses Everett McGill (George Clooney) and his two companions, Pete (John Turturro) and Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson), as they escape from a chain gang and embark on a quest to find a hidden treasure. This journey, loosely based on Homer's "The Odyssey," is filled with laughter, pathos and unforgettable music.
Set during the Great Depression, this trio of escaped prisoners faces numerous challenges throughout the film – corrupt cops, a cyclops, seductive sirens, the Klan, bloodhounds, betrayals and imprisonment. Despite being a self-professed man of reason and science, Everett's belief in himself, in the face of potent obstacles, borders on a form of prayer or magical thinking. His unwavering belief in the promise of salvation at the end of their journey, like a song that keeps playing in his head, becomes the rhythm that drives the narrative and his companions.
Throughout their journey, Everett, Pete and Delmar have a number of religious encounters. One of the most evocative scenes is the mass baptism in the river, where Delmar and Pete seek redemption and a fresh start. Despite Everett's skepticism, the film continually presents moments where divine intervention appears to guide their way. From the prophetic words of a blind seer to the miraculous flood, these occurrences suggest that there are forces beyond human understanding at play. The Coen brothers juxtapose Everett's rationalism with these ongoing mystical or mythical elements, proposing deeper questions amidst the humor of these situations.
In 2000, "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" played a significant role in reviving interest in traditional American music. Its multiple award-winning soundtrack is a blend of "old-time" bluegrass, gospel and folk. The Coen brothers' choice of songs reflects the period, evoking the feeling of a shared memory while also highlighting the continued relevance of these musical traditions and their expression of the universal themes of hope, faith and resilience. Each song is carefully chosen to reflect the emotional and thematic currents of the narrative, creating an auditory landscape as rich and starkly beautiful as its geographical counterpart.
Music is not just a background element; it is integral to the narrative. It draws the characters to the sirens, leads them to the baptism and is sung over their graves. The film not only celebrates communal singing as an important cultural and spiritual tradition that provides solace and a sense of belonging during hardships, but in "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" music and singing are also a form of magic. The film posits that there is music so beautiful and truthful that it has the power to pardon you for all your crimes, put you under a spell or change your fate.
The outcome of Everett's journey, while marked by his unreasoning optimism and encounters with the divine, turns on his acts of compassion to his fellow man and the bonds he forms. The film suggests that our human spirit, whether grounded in faith, reason or an inexplicable optimism, is a vital force that can guide us through the darkest times.
Join the CHCA on Aug. 2 at 8 p.m. at the Water Tower Recreation Center in Chestnut Hill for Movies Under the Stars. Bring your friends, family and a blanket. Whether you are a longtime admirer of the Coen brothers' work or a newcomer to this film, "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" will make you laugh, reflect and maybe even sing along.
