The Man Who Wasn't There

THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE (15)
D: Joel Coen
Working Title/Gramercy (Ethan Coen)
US 2001
116 mins

Thriller

W: Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
DP: Roger Deakins
Ed: Roderick Jaynes & Tricia Cooke
Mus: Carter Burwell
PD: Dennis Gassner
Cos: Mary Zophres

Billy Bob Thornton (Ed Crane), Frances McDormand (Doris Crane), Michael Badalucco (Frank Raffo), James Gandolfini (Dave Brewster), Richard Jenkins (Walter Abundas), Scarlett Johansson (Rachel Abundas)

The Coen Brothers tribute to film noir stars Billy Bob Thornton as a laconic, chain-smoking barber who blackmails his wife's philanderous boss into investing in a new business, set up by a shyster salesman, but the plans soon turn sour.
As with most of their works, it will appeal mostly to fans of the Coen Brothers films. For those who aren't, there's still a fantastic performance from Thornton to enjoy, as well as some atmospheric, gloomy B&W photography from masterful cinematographer Roger Deakins.
8/10

Billy Bob Thornton in The Man Who Wasn't There
Billy Bob Thornton in The Man Who Wasn't There