INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS ON THE 42nd FEST

The Coen brothers are a duo that always wins. They have been writing and directing their films together since 1984 and sometimes they even edit them under the pseudonym Roderick Jaynes. 

The Coen brothers are a duo that always wins. They have been writing and directing their films together since 1984 and sometimes they even edit them under the pseudonym Roderick Jaynes. They were nominated for a total of 14 Oscars and they have won four golden globes (Fargo and No Country for Old Men). In 2011 they received the Dan Davis award in the amount of one million dollars for "Creative partnership unique in the history of film".

Inside Llewyn Davis is their latest film, a melancholic musical creation balancing between comedy and drama. The plot centres on a week in the life of singer Llewyn Davis, a fictional character inspired by the autobiography of musician Dave van Ronk. After van Ronk's fans complained he was completely different than depicted in the film, the Coen brother said that Llewyn Davis is their own creation and that they had borrowed from Ronk only his musical and creative trait they've ultimately put in their character.

Most of the music in the film is performed by the actors, which wasn't that of a challenge, since the film stars Oscar Isaac, singer and actor from Guatemala, Justin Timberlake and Carey Mulligan, who has sang on film before. The music was produced by T Bone Burnett, former guitarist in Bob Dylan's band and successful producer. He has worked with the Coen brothers on the soundtrack for O Brother, where art thou, which was sold in 8 million copies. 

Cats have also played a prominent role in the film. The cat following Llewyn is an important part of the film, but the directors ultimately regretted that decision, since cats, as opposed to dogs, don't listen to trainers and are a nightmare for "collaboration" on film. The authors also had problems with spring coming early to New York, since they wanted to depict the melancholic and grim atmosphere of NY winter.

These problems didn't hurt the end result though and the film received excellent critics. I had its premiere on the Cannes festival, where it received the Grand Prix. It was also nominated for three BAFTA awards and three Golden Globes. It was nominated for the Oscar for best camera and sound mixing and many believe it was unjustly omitted from the race for best film and best direction.

 Inside Llewyn Davis  will be screened on Sunday, March 2, at 10 PM in Sava Centar.