How the Coen Brothers Changed My Life - Wisecrack Vlog
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- Опубликовано: 8 июн 2024
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There are certain filmmakers that seem like they can’t help but use their movies to ponder some big philosophical questions. And no one seems to do this quite as well as the Coen brothers. So today, Michael is going to talk about the three Coen Brothers films that changed his life, and why they might have been more useful than grad school in this Wisecrack Vlog on "How the Coen Brothers Changed My Life"
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Written and Hosted by: Michael Burns
Directed by: Michael Luxemburg
Editing by: Jackson Maher
Produced by: Evan Yee
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![How the Coen Brothers Direct Comedy & Violence [Directing Styles Explained]](/img/1.gif)
Someone buy Michael a beer so we can hear another hour or two of this, please.
yeah man where's Fargo at? anyhow great video
Beer this man!
As a longtime Patreon patron, I am trying to buy him beers on the regular...so I hope he gets around to semi-soberly rambling about Coen brothers sometime soon. :)
I better not catch this man cuz im buying him a pack
After this video, I need a 'Philosophy of the Coen Brothers' miniseries.
I genuinely like how Mike looks so happy discussing nihilism, loss of his faith, unanswerable questions of philosophy almost pointing out how potentially facile it is, and the meaninglessness of life and just enjoying it all. Looks like a man who learned how to make his own meaning and find his own happiness.
Q: Can you tell me what "A serious man" is actually about?
A: Just look at the parking lot, Larry
Unironically is part of the moral of the film. The advice boils down to (through an absurd comedic analogy of a parking lot) seeking perspective. Larry's life may have taken a turn for the worse, but compared to others, especially that of his brother, it's still pretty decent. His brother even tells Larry just how envious he is of him. It would have helped Larry to really look at his life from a different perspective and truly appreciate the beauty of some of things that he has just as the rabbi appreciates the beauty of the Parking lot.
@@crazychameleon123 I would agree, except I think the ending rejects this. Larry does gain perspective, and he does learn to appreciate his life, and life still comes for him. It speaks toward the randomness of the universe. Life doesn't care if you gain perspective or not. It teaches that you can't know the machinations of reality, that there may not be any. The opening with the dybbuk (which is rarely talked about) universalizes this concept even further, showing that nothing's really changed in the thousands of years humanity has been around. I find the deeper you dig into A Serious Man for any sense of meaning, the more you'll find there isn't any. Rather, it lays its "moral" out flat with plain text in the beginning of the film: "Receive everything with simplicity."
I suppose that isn't too different from seeking perspective, but I see a subtle difference in that perspective requires a deeper analysis of the situation to arrive at a humble outlook, whereas simplicity rejects any analysis. Basically it's Rick Sanchez telling Morty, "Don't think about it."
@@davidbjacobs3598 "I find the deeper you dig into A Serious Man for any sense of meaning, the more you'll find there isn't any." That sounds kinda like something Freddy Riedenschneider from 'The Man Who Wasn't There' (my personal favorite Coen Brothers film) said: "Sometimes the more you look, the less you really know." What's also notable is that Freddy Riedenschneider also mentions the Uncertainty Principle. Do with that information whatever you want. Have a nice day.
@@thoreboomgaarden6189 Hahaha checks out! The Coens have some pretty consistent absurdist philosophies across their body of work. Man Who Wasn't There doesn't get a lot of love, but I remember it being great!
The Big Lebowski... This movie isn't just a movie, it's some kind of revelation.
He is The dude man..i think its apt to name the movie DUDE..
That's just like your opinion man
MARK IT ZERO
What's the message though? Just chill and go with the flow? The more times I've seen this movie the less I understand its legendary status. Stuff from 1998 looks erratically dated in my eyes, but It's still great.
I just don't get the philosophy angle.
And the revelation is that there is no revelation.
Y’all Better have one for Hellen, what a queen.
..."famous podiatrist?" I think you've got a little Tarantino in your Coen
Ying-Yang it is.
This interpretation of The Big Lebowski might change my life
The discussion on A Serious Man conveniently glosses over the fact that Larry is a good guy who follows the rules up until the very end... He changes Clive's grade--accepting the bribe money--and is immediately greeted with Divine punishment in the form of the doctor's call, and the destruction of his son/potentially more via the tornado. I feel like the ending is more definitive than any other work of the Coens in terms of existential certainty.
I've been writing a prequel to the Big Lebowski about how Walter and the Dude got the rug that tied the room together and why the Dude hates the Eagles.
Does it mention why the dude is called dude?
@@thischannelisbackon5679 no. Don't really need to.
I would genuinly want to know why a 'Nam veteran and a hippie became buddies.
Isn't this sorta like the Han Solo movie? A lot of the appeal is in the mystery.
@@NotHPotter absolutely agree my dude and that movie is a cautionary tale for me when writing this.
"Decision is the little magic word that existence respects" - love that
Just watched Fargo yesterday again..It has such a unique style, I just want more of it, the show had some good seasons
*All good seasons
Just needed to fix that for you ;)
@@Awesomebaconman123 I haven't watched the 2nd one so didn't wanna talk out of my ass, but loved both the 1st and 3rd seasons
@@leoseydoux3831 Oh man, personally, second season is best. You're in for a treat.
I like seeing Michael in these videos. I had him as a professor in college, philosophy 101 and a class about love. He taught me about Abalard and Helois, if you don't know their story check it out its pretty crazy.
No Country helped me realize that sometimes in life there is no closure. Accept it and move forward.
same goes for a serious man too
you don't always get the answers
Awesome work, Michael. This makes me want to re-watch all of the Coen's work immediately
I loved it.. I too am a Coen Brothers fan, mine favourite is also A serious man, it is philosophically rich and shows how hard life could be.
Thank you for this personal video, it meant a lot to me watching you talk about this with such passion. I love what you guys do.
This is one of the very best Wisecrack videos. More like this, please!
I loved the personal anecdotes, they really helped to ground some of the concepts. Looking forward to The Good, The Bad, and The Brilliant. Keep up the amazing work!
Great video Michael! It's been fun watching you improve with every video. The laid back style of this video was not only thematic but it also provided a fun environment to absorb information that doesn't feel like a lecture.
Fargo will always be my favorite Coen Bros movie. It’s perfection and one of my all time favorite music scores.
He’s just funny looking...
Amazing film. Great score, like you say. It had a weird effect on me: although, like most, I could appreciate the dark humor, I also felt a profound sense of sadness and tragedy. As in life, both qualities exist in parallel, with neither canceling the other out.
Wing Flanagan I understand what you mean. It’s not happy go lucky despite some humor. I love the relationship with Marge and her hubby. It’s so loving.
Even tho The Dude is their greatest character I find the parts with Julianne Moore to be off putting and the fantasy bowling montages slightly annoying.
Even though John Goodman is a riot and poor Steve Buscemi is fun I still pick Fargo over The Big Lebowski
That is one of my favorite films
Count anime avenger me too.
I love this small corner of the universe appreciation the Coens!
Michael is aging like fine wine, props to you big man - your genetics are a blessing! It's great your mind & body only appear to be increasing. Also doesn't help that anyone talking about the Coen brothers instantly adds suave, lol!
was not expecting this to be a good one; bravo bravo
This video just oozes with the same kind of relaxed understanding and chilled wisdom about life and decisions that you always wished your dad had when talking to you :D Great stuff Michael - hope you'll get that beer
Sir, you just helped me get out of a bad existencial trip with this video. Thank you and thank god for the Coen Brothers!
I just happened to watch all three of these flicks recently, A Serious Man and Inside Llewyn Davis for the first time. They all kick so much ass. Glad to hear they're beloved by smart people like Michael!
I think my favourite thing about the Coens is their ability to completely transport you to another world with different (but familiar) rules and ideas. They're not afraid to jump between genres and themes to tell a good story, but they also keep their characters and settings consistent and interesting.
They just tell very human stories and ask the audience to engage with its themes on their own. I'm a Fargo boy myself.
Literally just read the Book of Job & watched A Serious Man yesterday, this video couldn’t be better timed. Love the Coen bros, keep up the good work Wisecrack!
Who do you think the "serious man" is? Sye Ableman? Does he represent the devil or god or... literally just a serious man? :/ I'm a bit puzzled
Damn, that’s an interesting question.
Sye acts overly kind at the start but the “letters to the tenure committee” seems to indicate that he was really vindictive and cruel. I think this speaks to how a Nihilist(like the Coens) might interpret the Book of Job. Sye through his relationship with Judith, has taken both Larry’s family and home from him(Larry stays at the jolly roger) and with the letters to the tenure committee at least attempts to rob him of his livelihood, so I see a fair number of parallels between God/Sye, although as stated in the video this film is open to interpretation.
Check out Roger Ebert’s review of A Serious Man and his comparison to Job too.
Thulyblu I think Sye is Elihu
I really like these, can't wait for the next one.
Hey Michael, Jacob here.
I’m really happy you brought up Inside Llewyn Davis in your critique on Coen Bro’s films. It also had a huge impact on me too. The main protagonist really doesn’t seem like a character worth rooting for but it’s the fact he lives by the notion “if I could’ve gotten out, I would’ve.” Seems like a quote the whole film is based on so glad it resonated with you.
Can’t wait for the next culture binge!
Awesome video, thanks!
This is really good! Please, more personal video like that, it's just great! 👏🏻☺️
One of the best videos here 👍🏻👍🏻
Those are EXACTLY my favorite Coen brothers movies
I love you. Thanks for not misrepresenting Nietzsche and for diving into these wonderful creators. Both Camus and Nietzsche shared that the best way to present philosophy is found in art, and I cannot stop thinking about that every time I watch the Coen brothers.
That was an interesting interpretation of Llewyn that I hadn’t considered; Ryan Hollinger’s video on it was also terrific, but he saw Llewyn as an example of how depression can destroy your life.
Where's Jarod? Is he okay? We miss him...
Love that kierkegaard quote. Affirm your truth!
Thanks for movie recommendations
Dude, tell us more. Part 2! There are bunch more Cohen Brothers movies and I'd love to hear your thoughts on them. It's inspiring to listen to someone who loves what they're talking about.
Miller's Crossing has long been my favorite movie. I wish more people would see it. Maybe not a great philosophical one, but brilliant in every (other) way.
Every time I hear Danny Boy, I think of Albert Finney.
@@jamesallard7223 Yep. RIP
8:23 Podiatrist was Tarantino's goal but had to settle for being an iconic director -_-
This is nice. More please
dude, i love this. A Serious Man, The Big Lebowski, and Inside Llewyn Davis are my favourite Coen Brothers movies and maybe my favourite movies ever. they are perfect.
Great video, i love these personal takes on movies
Im also down to get you some beers if youre ever in the neighbourhood
finally someone on youtube gets the coen bros
i would LOVE to talk for hours about Cohen bros movies with you michael.
Yoooo! Ty for turning me on to this movie
Thank you for video man ,,amazing analysis ....and big salute to Coen brothers i have watched and will watch every single movie they make because they are masters of cinema and philosophy
That was good, thanks. I will check then out.
I would buy you beers indefinitely to continue this conversation! Great stuff!
Understand each of our limitations and live the way that you want to live.
Omg more of this plz
Fargo changed my life. Love your videos, dude.
Hey, Professor Mike, more please!!
Good video. A Serious Man is a film that has kept me thinking long after watching it moreso than any other movie.
Miller's Crossing is my favorite film of all time.
👏👏👏 more of this please
I am reading The Picture of Dorian Gray right now and kinda at the middle of the story and I was actually having really conflicting thoughts about the overall idea of meaning and nihilism but man o man this video landed at the right time.
Love from the other side of the ocean, wisecrack.
I enjoyed this so much... what a cool idea to do personal stuff. When Jared first did it, I didn’t get it... but now I do
My personal favorite is True Grit, but I've been meaning to see more of their work.
The three Coen Brothers that impacted me the most were The Big Lewboski , A Serious Man and No Country for Old Men
Llewyn Davis can also be seen as the story of Sisyphus, man doomed to eternally attempt an impossible task, but as Albert Camus adds, with some contentment in purpose at least.
A Serious Man is also my favorite. I thought I was the only one 😭
it's the one I puzzled about the most. Strangely fascinating to think about especially since I would *not* say this movie is entertaining.
Awesome!
They had a very similar effect on me but for a very different reason. By the time I had the chance to see Blood Simple, the most common complaint re: films was "They just don't make them like they used to..." Well, no: the Coens did, and do. Even when the mark they missed is never clearly defined in the first place, their absolute worst films are individually better than some other filmmakers' entire body of work.
I asked for this on twitter!
how about the philosophy of Cormac Mccarthy? Blood Meridian, the Road, No country for old Men etc.
I love The big Lebowski. I even have a tattoo on my chest:
"Achiever
Fuck it, Dude.
Let's go bowling."
I'm going to publicly come out here as a fan of The Hudsucker Proxy, as no one else ever talks about it.
solid vid!
🎬 Thank You!
What happened to Jared ?
Jared disappointed the lizard people and is now assimilated.
1) Family issues
2) Will come soon
3) hope you get it
@@uncomfortablecat get what? my Amazon package? yeah haha I know what's going on
@@thulyblu5486 Open your gate, Sir. Your package is outside.
What would I ever do without wisecrack
Great video and well-articulated my own process of handling religion and transitioning into answers in philosophy. One other Coen Brothers movie that is worth mentioning in this context is Barton Fink. The titular character is constantly trying to find meaning in his art, while needing to temper his grandiose self image. In the end we learn it's in the most banal, dismissed characters that exist the most depth (and danger).
If you ever make it out to DC, beers are on me!
This guy is pretty great honestly
1:20 so THAT is where that image is from!
Cool video!
I'd love to have a beer and talk movies with these guys.
oh man.. I lit a joint and watched. Felt like I was having the most interesting conversation I've had In a long time:)
This is a great video, but you only just scratched the surface of the genius of the Cohen Brothers.
Love the Coens, My Top 3:
1. Barton Fink 2. No country for old men 3. Inside Llewyn Davis
Thanx!!!
Maybe you should write a book about the Coen Brothers and Philosophy
you are not alone
The three Coens movies he discusses might be my favorite ones- though Fargo’s gotta be somewhere in there, and O Brother Where Art Thou is enjoyable for so many reasons.
8:10 Wait Nietzsche´s "Die fröhliche Wissenschaft" (german for "the cheerful science") is called Gay Science in english? thats ... intresting.
Yup.
In that time period, the word “gay” was a synonym for jovial happiness or glee.
"die fröhliche wissenschaft" is actually a translation of an occitan idiom that was well known in nietzsche's time. in the original occitan language, the idiom is "gai saber" (literally "the gay science"), used to refer broadly to philosophy. since the cognate "gay" exists in english, and its meaning can be understood to approximately mean "joyful," the english translators chose to use that word and stay as close as possible to the original wording of the idiom
I already subscribed infinite times over, now don't be greedy!
I've seen Lebowski but not the other two I'll be sure to check them out since I like the Cohen brothers as well but maybe not as much as you my favorite cohen brothers films besides Lebowski are Raising Arizona and No Country for Old Men
In regards to "do what you love and you never work a day in your life," psychological studies (on children,) strongly suggest that tying what you love to do to money sooner or later makes you no longer love to do it. (That's why I play drums in a local band for free.)
5:29 Something went wonky with your encoding in post. Might want to fix that.
You almost talk as somebody who hasn't made it in their chosen profession. .
Think this video view count is over 60k at the time of this comment. Congratulations and thank you for doing what you do.
Did you know they indirectly also had some impact in the game industry? Ken Levine said that the Coen Brothers are an important influence for him.
Could you do the philosophy of Barry?
I love A Serious Man. Makes me think of The Book of Job.
Please do a vid on Frances Ha
And arguably their 3 best movies too.
Burn after reading is HORRIBLY underrated
well, after proofreading their reviews, critics just keep burning it
Hopefully we get to discuss the aspects of "Destiny" from the Witcher show
Also, still waiting on the anime videos of Vinland Saga and Attack on Titan.
And One Piece :-)
I'd gladly buy you a beer. Two, even!
Any chance you brilliant boys & girls could do a bit on Burn After Readjng?
"Burn After Reading - When You Hate Every Character And Want Them To Fail"