This Classic Coen Brothers Comedy Is A Must-Watch Before Seeing The Odyssey

One of the Coen Brothers’ best comedies is a must-watch for people looking forward to The Odyssey. Christopher Nolan’s retelling of the historic epic about Odysseus and his journey home is one of the most anticipated movies of the summer. Coming hot off his Oscar win, this grandiose adaptation is already drawing positive early reactions.

Of course, Nolan’s upcoming take on the story isn’t the first time Odysseus’ tale has been told. There have been many adaptations of The Odyssey, introducing the timeless story to countless generations. Both the big and small screens have brought the characters to life in unique ways, including in the hit 90s kids’ show Wishbone, where the titular dog takes on the role of Odysseus.

However, The Odyssey has inspired far more than direct adaptations of Homer’s story. The epic has become one of the most influential pieces of literature in human history, inspiring countless stories of various genres. It’s been reworked and remolded to the point that many unexpected films turn out to be secret retellings of The Odyssey without fans knowing it.

The best of these films is a comedy from 2000 that continues to be beloved after 26 years. It tells an original story set in Mississippi during the 1930s while working in elements of The Odyssey to pull off a unique spin on the epic. Plus, it all comes from the minds of some of the most talented directors working today: the Coen Brothers.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? Is A Charming Retelling Of Homer’s The Odyssey

O Brother, Where Art Thou? tells the story of Ulysses Everett McGill, played by George Clooney, and his fellow escapees, Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson) and Pete (John Turturro). The three have escaped from a Mississippi prison and flee into the mountains for freedom. However, when Ulysses catches word that his wife is looking to remarry, he makes it his mission to reunite with her.

This film is a loose retelling of The Odyssey with a Depression-era backdrop. This gives the story a refreshing spin on the Greek tale as McGill and his chain gang flee the authorities and face trials throughout Mississippi. Several familiar obstacles from Homer’s epic take on new forms, with Polyphemus the Cyclops being a criminal and KKK member, played by John Goodman, and Poseidon being the Sheriff hindering Ulysses’ journey, played by Daniel Von Bargen.

It’s not a one-to-one adaptation of the story, but there are enough familiar elements to make it a worthwhile adaptation of The Odyssey while also being an interesting film in its own right.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? Serves As A Good Starting Point For Odyssey Beginners

What’s great about O Brother, Where Art Thou? is that it’s a great film to watch for those that are unfamiliar with Homer’s epic. It does such a terrific job being its own thing that moviegoers can get into it without needing to know the background behind Odysseus’ journey, chronicled in The Iliad. If anything, this film is a good reference point for when people read the book and draw comparisons between the epic and its connections in the movie.

Plus, the film has a phenomenal soundtrack that makes it an easy-going and enjoyable watch. “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” is the main highlight of the music, but there are other hummable tunes like “Big Rock Candy Mountain,” “Down to the River to Pray,” and “Keep On the Sunny Side” that give the film a memorable voice.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey will likely be coined a better adaptation of the epic, given its massive scale and direct telling of Homer’s story. However, this Coen Brothers classic is such a light and whimsical version of Odysseus’ journey that it’s something people can’t miss.

Release Date

September 15, 2000

Runtime

107 minutes

Director

Joel Coen, Ethan Coen