Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) – Film Review

Directors: Joel and Ethan Coen
Writers: Joel and Ethan Coen
Actors: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, Justin Timberlake
Runtime: 104 min
Rating: 14A

There are movies that feature music and musicians, and then there are movies that feature music as an integral part of their narrative structure. Inside Llewyn Davis, the new film from the legendary directing team the Coen brothers, never uses the music it presents as a plot device or as background filler. Instead, each song is allowed to play out and allotted as much weight as the scenes that consist of dialogue, and an audience is given time to listen closely and enjoy the music before rushing onwards. The result is a peek into a world of music that may not always be pretty, but is full of passion and reality.

Inside Llewyn Davis follows a week in the life of a folk singer struggling to survive in Greenwich Village during the early sixties. Llewyn Davis is an undoubtedly talented musician, yet he cannot seem to break into the industry, and he finds himself sleeping on couches as he tries to land gigs while staying true to himself and to his art. One of the apartments between which he circulates belongs to Jean Berkey (Carey Mulligan), a woman with whom Llewyn has had a relationship and who now sings in a successful group with her kind husband Jim (Justin Timberlake). Although Jean constantly emanates rage and hatred towards Llewyn, these emotions do not stop her from helping him when he needs it the most.  

First and foremost, this film is about the life of a singer, and the quality of the music is therefore essential. Isaac graduated from the Juilliard School and began his entertainment career as the lead guitarist and singer for the band “The Blinking Underdogs,” so music is clearly in his blood and soul. His voice is raw and full of emotion, and watching him sing, one sees a passion that results in nothing less than magic. It is important for an audience to understand that music is Llewyn’s entire life, and watching Isaac perform, this idea is entirely believable. Other performances are strong as well, and a scene featuring Isaac, Timberlake, and Adam Driver recording the political protest song “Please Mr. Kennedy” reveals the talents of all three. John Goodman also makes a brief appearance as a drug-addled jazz musician with whom Llewyn shares a ride, offering a memorable mix of hilarity and pathos to the film. Mulligan, however, disappoints in her turn as Jean, her chock-full-of-rage acting too one-dimensional in a film full of subtlety and nuance.

The Coen brothers are known for their attention to detail and wicked sense of humour, and both characteristic elements are present here. Small gestures and moments within this film, such as the careful placement of a needle onto a record, are given weight and importance. Although the film may not be immediately recognizable as a Coen brothers piece, one must remember that each of their works, from Fargo to True Grit, is unique in style and approach; no two are alike, and an audience quickly learns to expect the unexpected. A beautifully filmed, surreal scene wherein Llewyn catches a glimpse of a cat through layered, falling snow reminds one of what the Coens are all about. Said cat, for his own part, is essential to the film, revealing Llewyn’s dedicated, persistent, and ultimately caring personality. As for humour, this serious film consistently offers its own brand of dark comedy so that the audience never feels quite as weighted down as the film’s protagonist, yet this is the humour of the real world, and it may cause one to wince as they smile.

Llewyn’s reality as a homeless, young, and talented singer is sad in a very real way. Watching him sing, there can be no doubt that this art is what he was born to do, yet it does not appear to be working for him. The film, however, retains a sense of optimism and redemption; as long as Llewyn determinately continues to sing, he continues to experience the moments of peace and passion for which he yearns. The music here is as important as the acting, and all performers deliver. There may not be a Hollywood ending at the conclusion, yet one is left with a sense of longing, and, ultimately, of hope.