Inside Llewyn Davis

Inside Llewyn Davis is a genius masterpiece or a mediocre fanboy biopic; which one, only the Coen brothers will ever know.  What I like about this paradox, is that I will be able to convincingly argue either perspective depending on who I'm talking to.  Let me offer the basic premise for either argument:  Inside Llewyn Davis is a genius masterpiece because Ethan and Joel Coen were able to produce a film for hipsters, starring hipsters, about hipsters, that hipsters really, really like; yet the whole thing is an indictment of the hipster.  The counter-argument, the one that suggests that the Coens made a mediocre fanboy biopic is exactly the same as the other argument, only it leaves off "indictment".  I hope that the former is true, that'll be my explanation for liking it at least.  Obviously, based on the Coen brothers track record it is very likely that they meant this as a biting criticism, but it works the other way too, making a conclusive answer impossible.

What's inside Llewyn Davis?  Very little really; he's whiny, self-absorbed, and kind of a douche.  He has disdain for others who share his profession but aren't as good as he views himself.  I wouldn't be surprised to find that many talented artists have similar attitudes.  This wouldn't be so bad except that we must spend the entire film with Davis.  If we could just listen to his music and then go on our merry way, all would be right with the world.  His music is great, for the same reasons Bob Dylan's music is great.  Yet the moment we recognize that our emotions are being played just like his guitar, we should turn our backs on the whole farce.  In an aside, A few years back I noted that the horrible movie Troy should be remembered only for its multitude of "funeral pyre" scenes.  I think approximately 10% of screen time was devoted to this pastime.  Inside Llewyn Davis likewise must set some record for "sleeping on couches", Davis becomes an expert in the field. 

If you tell me that you really liked Inside Llewyn Davis please be prepared to explain yourself.  You can't be cool unless you like it for the right reason…