The Coen Brothers in the 21st Century: Fate, Failure, and Existential Angst




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ClassGraphic Starting in 2001, filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen turned from screwball comedy to a darker, more philosophical cinema—one that wrestles with arbitrary fate and the search for meaning in an indifferent world, as characters find themselves trapped by forces beyond their control. As we discuss The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001), No Country for Old Men (2007), A Serious Man (2009), and Inside Llewyn Davis (2013), we will analyze how the Coens crafted narratives about ordinary people struggling against incomprehensible systems, focusing on the films’ scripts, direction, cinematography, acting, and use of music, as well as their unique blend of bleak humor and existential inquiry. Participants will watch each film in advance via streaming or DVD, and we will share selected reviews, essays, and discussion questions before each session. No prior experience analyzing films is required—just curiosity to better appreciate the Coens’ unique brand of philosophical storytelling.
 

Class Details

4 Session(s)
Weekly - Wed

Location
TBD

Instructor
Multiple

Tuition: 

$0.00

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Schedule Information

Date(s) Class Days Times Location Instructor(s)
1/21/2026 - 2/11/2026 Weekly - Wed 01:15 PM - 03:15 PM TBD Jim Gecker  ; Jim Burns 

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