The Popkorn Junkie :: The Man Who Wasn't There

Halfway through “The Man Who Wasn’t There” I was still trying to decide if the film was a comedy or something else. (Answer: It’s something else.) Filmed in a stark black and white, the film is very slow paced and lead by a deadpan performance by Billy Bob Thorton. Even the musical score, mostly piano solos, is extremely slow. But I was not bored for even a moment. Though not exciting by any means, the story of a small town barber’s (Thorton) attempt to change his ordinary life is interesting and worth watching.

Though the film is black and white, it fits the late 1940’s style of the film’s period and is also very artistic. I really enjoyed the use of shadow and light. Though black and white is not natural, it has always amazed me how it can add to the drama if done well (and this is very well done.) I was also surprised at how I also enjoyed the musical score though it was so simple and slow. The music is almost black and white it is so simple, but pleasing, and certainly added to the mood. I guess I’d almost have to say the story is black and white too. By that I mean it is so plain and simple that I could tell you the entire story in one sentence – but I won’t. I will give you the basics though…..

The small town barber works chair number two in a three chair shop, smokes like a chimney and hates to talk and hates to even listen. He does his work and gets older. He is quietly having a mid-life crisis. Life has not worked out well, and he realizes that he doesn’t much care. He is almost sleep walking though life. But for some reason he takes a chance one day on a business plan. And it does change his life and the lives of many around him in major ways. The theme of the movie is very sad, but yet many of the characters, dialog and events in the movie are very amusing. I love such contrasts in films and in life.

Just like the many sharp shadows in this film, I think the audience will either love or hate the film. I loved it, but I am not exactly sure why. It maybe because everything was so simple. Maybe I liked it because I could understand it. Maybe because I am glad I am not that barber or his friends and family.

-- Pappy ( 3 1/2 out of 4 pops )

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Other Junkie's opinions.....

Mike ( 3 out of 4 pops )

This new Coen brothers movie is a really hard film to describe. I believe it's the Coen's homage to Hitchcock...such as the very deliberate pace of the film as well as the black and white cinematography. Billy Bob Thornton is not only in 99% of the film but he narrates much of it as well. The entire cast is good and the story is unique. But what stands out is the look of the film and the sound. Never have I've heard the sound of things come out so distinctly in a film. Look for a shoo-in Oscar for best sound for this film! However, the film didn't have the twists and surprises you would normally expect in a film noir and I didn't like the ending all that much. But I never lost my interest in what was going on.