The film is allegorical without a conventional narrative structure, simply a glimpse into Llewyn's, possibly cyclical, life. It is unclear whether Llewyn is suppose to garner sympathy or scorn, probably both. He is talented but egotistical, charismatic but self-involved, proud and pathetic, admirable and juvenile, uncompromising. He is, in short, polarizing. Portrayed by the versatile Oscar Issac Llewyn shines when he plays, all irritants and insecurities fall away and we see a stripped down artist, an enigmatic creative machine.
We watch Llewyn struggle externally as a musician and struggle internally with the choice to be a musician. The film portrays the daily grind of an artist and asks the question "Is artistic expression fulfilling in and of itself?" Is making it financially the goal?
The sound track is impeccable and infectious. It fills out the world and brings to life a subdued melancholy, creates an authentic somewhat stagnant scene poised for the revolutionary Bob Dylan. The cast is full of interesting actors putting in engaging sometimes quirky performances. The only weak link is Carey Mulligan, her portrayal is strident and one note, partial fault could be given to the script for underdevelopment. There is so much music in the film there may be a little shortage on actual scenes. The characterizations are so interesting and the dialogue so layered, most notably a dinner scene with two older professor friends of Llewyn, we are left wanting just a little more.
A puzzling, thick, magnetic film that is difficult to get a hold of but gratifying to reflect on.
See It.
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