Filmmaker reacts to A Serious Man (2009) for the FIRST TIME!

[@rpg7287]

Yes. This is the Coen’s take on the book of Job. But it’s also their take on quantum physics. Quantum physics includes quantum entanglement, in which a particle becomes entangled with another, so that if something happens to one particle, it has an instantaneous effect on the other. Larry gets into a car crash and Sy gets into a crash at the same instant. The Heisenberg uncertainty principle contains the idea that our observations on reality alters and has an effect on that reality. When Larry changes the grade, the effect is bad news about his tests. It’s an amazing film.

[@TheOlafmetal]

The last rabbi was quoting Jefferson Airplane's "somebody to Love", which plays when it cuts to black at the end.

[@Red-drick]

This movie is criminally underrated

[@LateCambrian]

FYI the old rabbi was just quoting the Jefferson Airplane song that the son was listening to in the beginning…

[@brettsinger9565]

This film helped me recover from a nervous breakdown 13 years ago. I say that without fully understanding all it had to say. It left me still wondering about the future but no longer hating myself for not having all the answers.

[@777Nny]

Also, "What the truth is found to be lies, and all the hope within you dies..." that's from Somebody to Love, which was played at the start and end of this film.

[@SpeedOfThought1111]

*When* the truth is found to be lies, and all the *joy* within you dies

[@Tom_Van_Zandt]

@@SpeedOfThought1111 When the fart is found to be lies, and all the farts within you dies

[@LateCambrian]

This movie is part three of the Coen Brothers Apocalypse trilogy, which includes No Country For Old Men and Burn After Reading. They’ve talked about it in interviews. This is their most underrated film in my Opinion….

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

First an idiot's quadrilogy with George Clooney, now an apocalypse trilogy?

[@adamp2029]

This is my favorite, and I usually consider Burn After Reading their most underrated.

[@LateCambrian]

@@TomEyeTheSFMguy I read about the numbskull Quadrilogy, but I have a distinct memory of an interview where they talked about No Country, Burn and Serious man as three parts of a trilogy with an apocalyptic theme… trying to locate

[@hypostatics9475]

and those are their three best films imo

[@scottmoore1614]

I also think this film is their most underrated.

[@YankeesForever25]

Incredible movie. Sy Ableman is one of the most sinister creations the Coens ever came up with.

[@Divine_R]

A total foe. His death was truly karmic.

[@LobbyLoiterer]

This is in my top five favorite films of all time. It had a huge impact on the way I approach life. I'm always so happy to see any reactor give it a shot.

[@acegikm]

That seemed to be an underlying meaning in The Big Lebowski, too - Doing nothing has consequences.

[@rynor2691]

Yeah? Well, you know, that's just like uh your opinion man

[@tetleyT]

Thanks James! So happy you reacted to this understated gem. Thoughtful analysis too. The writing and acting are top notch, but a special shout out to Carter Burwell for his work on the score. Those few small notes on the piano that you hear throughout movie are so good! They really give the film a mysterious and playful sense of dread. The Jefferson Airplane title sequence absolutely rocks, and incorporating Hendrix over the "teeth" monologue - that's just downright superfly.

[@joerafferty3248]

I'm so glad you are reacting to this film. I love the Coen brothers' work in general but this is easily up there with their best for me. I first saw this film at university and I became obsessed with it, to the point where I'm pretty sure I watched it over and over again for a week straight. I wasn't familiar with the story of Job before I saw the film so a lot of those references went over my head, but having since read up on it, a lot more of the film makes sense in places that I didn't previously understand e.g. the tornado at the end. Also, the Goy's teeth is one of my all time favourite film sequences that I regularly go back and watch just to hang off of every word in that clip. I wish more people knew about this film because it deserves way more recognition.

[@st_orlie]

This was my first Coen brother's movie, still one of my favourites of theirs.

[@psilocyble3053]

I'd completely forgotten about this hilarious film.

[@HonJazzz]

One of my absolute favorites

[@patrickfoster8335]

That quote….is from the song on his tape deck. Jefferson airplane…..somebody to love. And yeh love that ending.

[@elleesse4028]

Yo James. I think you’d enjoy ‘The Man Who Wasn’t There’ with Billy Bob Thornton by the Coen Bros. It’s an oft forgotten and underrated entry in their filmography. It explores similar themes to this film, has that slow outward spiralling wave of chaos and consequences caused by characters choices and the Coen Bros unique brand of comedy.

[@Tom_Van_Zandt]

I was going to recommend that one, as well, as he seemed to love the fact that Schindler's List was shot almost entirely in black and white. Other moder B&W films I'd recommend are Down by Law, Dead Man, Nebraska and a few others I can't currently think of off the top of my head. Hell, Young Frankenstein if he hasn't seen it.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Imagine The Dude being in this film hahaha. Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Have a great day!

[@johncable9238]

watch falling down

[@bigmikem1578]

Finally someone reacts to a truly great film.

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

HELL YEAH! MORE COEN BROTHERS!

[@toddhill7483]

Within the last few weeks you have taken in 2 of my favorite all time fims, this and Barton Fink. Gratitude.

[@Smoothjazzsundays]

19:17 I never caught that before, but the law firm “Tuchman Marsh” is a callback to Burn after reading!

[@zacharypeterson6465]

only 8.4k views on this is crazy. love all the cohen videos youve done keep up the good wwork man

[@JamesVSCinema]

Thanks a ton!

[@toddlastman198]

one of my favorite movies, brilliance

[@joegaspard9762]

Thanks for reacting to this. It might be my favorite Coen brothers film. I’m not far from the neighborhood where they filmed the family’s home…a neighborhood that still looks like it did in the sixties.

[@alexa.english174]

I'm honestly afraid of turning into this dude in the future. I don't react well in uncomfortable situations

[@andrewstephens5885]

Start reacting well👑🫱🏽‍🫲🏻🔥

[@brianrector3169]

It's the Coens' take on The Book of Job.

[@willmendoza8498]

This movie references so much culture and thought that I am not familiar with, so I feel like I missed a ton. And yet, even with those gaps in my knowledge, it has stuck with me for years, and I think about it often.

[@kain3wuff741]

Late to this, but this is my absolute favorite movie & i always look for more perspectives on this puzzle. The "Goy's Teeth" scene inspired a tatoo & i revisit this movie at least once a year to take a temperature check on my own well-being.

[@dqan7372]

So glad you watched this!

[@dukedude7460]

One of the Coens best imo and one that flies und the radar as well. I’m not sure if they’ve said it in an interview, but I’ve always seen Larry Gopnik and The Dude as direct foils from two Coen films (A Serious Man and Big Lebowski, respectively); Larry tries (and fails) to find the meaning in everything that happens through the coarse of the film and bemoans all the negative things that befall him and ultimately comes away with nothing; on the other end, The Dude doesn’t wish (or care) to understand anything that happens through the coarse of his story, yet is able to grasp and understand much of what happened by the end, and ends up pretty much the same as he started. Great faction as alway James and keep it up!

[@PacDork]

Wonderful movie, one of the Coen best & underrated. Because of this movie, I get hyped whenever I see Fred Melamed in something. He's hilarious. This is probably the most Jewish movie they've ever made...there's probably a lot that goes over audiences heads unless they know the culture.

[@nairb2173]

Michael Stuhlbarg is just phenomenal in this (and S3 of Fargo!)

[@777Nny]

It's a retelling of story of Job. It's even mentioned in the film.

[@WARdROBEPlaysWWII]

A movie and a meditation

[@RyanDesmond]

The opening story is the same as the story about The Goy. This movie is teaching us that life doesn't have to be understood to be enjoyed. If we "accept mystery" we can achieve a greater happiness. That life itself is God's "Mentaculous" and only God can understand it.

[@adamp2029]

This is (maybe) my favorite of theirs. But it’s tough to choose.

[@lethalbee]

The open ending makes me think of a quote from the Jewish philosopher Jacques Derrida, who wrote alot on Messianic Judaism, the idea that a Messiah will come in the future: “In general, I try and distinguish between what one calls the Future and “l’avenir” [the ‘to come]. The future is that which - tomorrow, later, next century - will be. There is a future which is predictable, programmed, scheduled, foreseeable. But there is a future, l’avenir (to come) which refers to someone who comes whose arrival is totally unexpected. For me, that is the real future. That which is totally unpredictable. The Other who comes without my being able to anticipate their arrival. So if there is a real future, beyond the other known future, it is l’avenir in that it is the coming of the Other when I am completely unable to foresee their arrival.” - Derrida

[@tamarawallace1184]

Love you james😁

[@adamp2029]

Mere surmise, sir.

[@Trendyflute]

I love this movie, it's such a vibe. Coens do so many great things. You still should do Miller's Crossing and Barton Fink at some point!!

[@IvorPresents]

The film alone among all the Coen's output, deals particularly from the Jewish perspective. Certainly not everyone will relate. I do, It was like a reflection of my upbringing. Great humor and exaggeration were the lens which we view this. The Reform and the Conservative branches of Judaism were depicted, no so much the Orthodox. The learned Rabbi's study resembled more a Harry Potter lair, than a man of the books. Humor served with a glimpse of truth. We are not to be swayed by omens yet the hand of the Creator is in all things. Not always for our personal interests. I appreciate that That the Rabbi could take a lesson from Jefferson Airplane was nice. Many of the Orthodox would dismiss this. What the film does best is establish a sense of time and place even though everything is in a state of change. The opening is amazing, a Bubba Mista, a old wives tale of a Dibick. a undead spirit that roams the world looking for a body. A few horror tropes have bought into this,. Was he a dybick or not is your guess. opens the stage three hundred years later in the nineteen fifties suburbs.

[@williamclarke3162]

I think this might be my favorite or second favorite of the Coen Brothers films. Out of all the characters theyve created, Larry Gopnik is the one i feel the most sympathy for. Life truly does like to throw curveballs. -You feel like you didnt do anything wrong but inactions do have consequences as well. -Also the Goys teeth might be top 5 Coen Brothers scene

[@williamshears9953]

This is such an incredible movie

[@jonwright6472]

This is such a special movie to me, and I love that you took the time to watch it. I found that what I thought absolutely had to be true (the prologue were Larry Gopnik's ancestors) wasn't intended. I think that the movie is particularly fascinating because both could be true- it's all coincidence and it's intended hardship by a religious deity. It's kind of like Fargo being a true story and a total lie. If you allow both possibilities, it's so much more interesting. This actually challenges Fargo as my favorite movie.

[@Porifera-Jaymen]

🎉One of the best and a personal favourite, thanks for watching

[@RyanDesmond]

The ending tornado can be explained as The Goy's Teeth can be explained as the old man being a demon or not being a demon at the beginning of the film can be explained. We are being given examples of questions that have no answers. The movie prepares us for this as our main character explains to his student: "The story of the cat, these are just fables I'm using to help you understand the math." Religion gives us fables as well, even though the details are confusing. The math student's father unlocks the point of the film: "Please, Accept The Mystery." It's no mistake that we cut from the opening scene, asking ourselves: "Is the old man now dead or alive?" and cut to our main man talking about Schrodinger's cat and immediately asking; "Is the cat dead or is the cat alive?" The movie is training us to understand the idea that if getting answers is essential to your happiness then you may never be happy. It's giving us story after story that doesn't have an answer to its mysteries. And if you can enjoy the film without ever knowing if the old man is dead or alive, what the messages were on the Goy's teeth and what happened with that Tornado... then you might be able to better enjoy your life. To everyone else, our main character's math equations look like gibberish. And when he tries to read his brother's Mentaculous, it looks like gibberish to him. Well, life itself is GOD's Mentaculous and it looks like gibberish to every single one of us.

[@edwardroneill]

Wonderful reaction. I love that movie. The quotation given by the oldest rabbi? It's from a song on Danny's Walkman. Jefferson Airplane, I think. If you're interested, I've been making video essays exploring filmmaking technique. This one compares two versions of the 1931 Dracula that were made by different directors: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXeph4B-hcxkmKM Keep making great content!

[@TTM9691]

Yeah, and the rabbi goes on to list all the band members in the Jefferson Airplane as well. "Grace Slick, Spencer Dryden" etc....

[@connerwood7969]

Top 5 Coen Bros movie for me. Just incredible.

[@BeezOne84]

For me personally this movie was always about illusion of control over one's life. That if you follow some rules (or *do nothing*) you will be okay, you will be a "serious man". But it's a lie we are telling ourselves. The world is too big and unpredictable.

[@wildhias6195]

[Verse 1] When the truth is found to be lies And all the joy within you dies [Chorus] Don't you want somebody to love? Don't you need somebody to love? Wouldn't you love somebody to love? You better find somebody to love Love, love Jefferson Airplane - Somebdy to love

[@twilightcrush]

such a good one

[@miamiassassin13]

Just my two cents to add.. one important aspect that i took out of this movie was "even no action has a reaction". He continues to say "I didn't do anything!" And that's the point. All my ideas have obviously been lifted from a great analysis from KZbin on this movie after i didn't understand it after 2 viewings.

[@monfernova]

Yooo the main dude is the mob boss in Your Honor

[@BradenLeeMusic]

How does one suggest a movie? Since you’re doing this dialogue centered analysis lately you should watch waking life directed by Richard linklater. Absolutely phenomenal film

[@jennyruth5620]

Yeah, had forgotten how good this is!.. too passive..feel like I spent too many years consumed by my work, but totally passive where I shouldn't have been ☺️🤩

[@stanley2681]

holy ish i didnt think anyone knew of this film lol so dope

[@williamcarbajal383]

If you want a serious man, watch Falling Down (Michael Douglas)

[@TTM9691]

Yeah. "Waaaaaa, my burger doesn't look like it does on TV! I'm falling down!" LOL. "My burger doesn't look like it does on TV so let me shoot up some minimum wage workers" 🤣 Waaaaaa......hear my pain! I'm the only one in the world who has to get up and go to work! I'd rather be the protaganist of a dopey 90s action movie!" 🤣 "Help....I'm.....falling down!"😭

[@subroy7123]

This is all Book of Job stuff. All Coen Bros main characters draw some kind of influence from the misfortunes of Job. It gives the stories so much potential for fantastic filmmaking and Coens do such wonderful job with the dark comedy of it all. Actions (and inactions) have consequences.

[@tacticalgrace6456]

Dude, this guy thinks he didn’t do anything. At least he became a math teacher who at least understands math. Now I deffo didn’t do nuthink. And I can relate to the chaos that unfurls from that. Also, would love to see James react to the movie Symbiopsychotaxiplasm but he can only properly do that if he doesn’t find out anything about it before hand. To know anything about it is to ruin the experience of it.

[@webuser5748]

I just noticed there are no reactions on youtube on The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, masterpiece by the Cohen bros. I'd love to see what you think of it

[@nightking0130]

Yeah just read the story of job and it mirrors Larry’s character in this film. The three rabis are jobs three friends and the Jefferson airplane playing at the end is god talking through the whirlwind to job except it’s a tornado.

[@heilmann18]

I've been thinking about this movie lately and it's feaking me out.

[@johncable9238]

watch falling down!!

[@Pancakeshouse85]

Property line's the poplar.

[@josefgordon7712]

Don’t miss out on the little know sequel Some Ridiculous Women. Aka real life, ammi right fellas!?

[@Smoothjazzsundays]

Just finished this one earlier tonight. Thought it was pretty damn good! As a red headed Jew stoner I can relate to the son quite a bit 😂

[@crobarus]

I've only seen the movie once but will watch again. I felt that you needed to be Jewish to understand it fully. Got some good laughs out of it You need to watch more Coen Bros. Start with their first , "Blood Simple " Awesome first movie. Psycological thriller . Francis McDorman's first movie , independent low budget but really well done. Critics loved it . Still holds up. Millers Crossing and Barton Fink , are even better. For me all top 5 Coen Brothers films

[@harrymc9263]

This is the only film of the Coen's I have watched only once. I just couldn't get into it. I think it one of those films which people either really rate or think it is terrible, there's no middle ground.

[@Sagitarius0812]

You don't have to know what it all means. Just accept the mystery ....

[@EdDunkle]

Accept The Mystery

[@SteifBoyJunior]

So many subtleties that Jentiles just wouldn't get. Yup, even more than other Cohen brothers films, this one got many Jewish motifs.

[@bittercolesslaw]

can u start watching dexter

[@fantasyviolence1618]

Rush hour, when?

[@marijuasher]

This film is Judaism 101. Glad you liked it.

[@LordSplendid]

As you continue to react to quality movies, I recommend "Once Were Warriors" from 1994. I can promise that it is good and it will get a reaction out of you!

[@happygolucky1184]

A very neglected and underappreciated film!

[@zbennalley]

I went on a date with a girl and her thoughts about going on a sencond date with her was solely based around what my true opinions were on this film. She asked if I watched it and I said I did (I didn't) but I wanted the second date and the opening sequence told me EVERYTHING i was about to see. I texted her back and she said," Holy Shit, did you study quantum mechanism??" I responded," Nope, but if I ask you out to a location/time and you respond back and I didn't open the message. If you're there or not, I won't worry because I'll be there anyways." She was there with a box that had the answer to our next date if I opened it. Never opened it

[@zbighugh9193]

One of the most depressing movies ever. It's about a loser who loses everything. Piece of crap film. Why? Because a good story requires a character audiences would care about. The Coen brothers instead made the main character an absolute loser, who, then has everyone treating him like crap. What a waste of time to watch. At the cinema where they showed this film they should have put a warning for those about to watch: "Abandon all hope, all ye who enter here."

[@timriehl1500]

I hated this movie; just because something is from the Cohen brothers, doesn't mean it's automatically good. Had no idea what it meant; even tried to apply the Book of Job, but couldn't see the connection.

[@jamesmoyner7499]

I hated this movie and every character. I don't know how to describe it, but I hated every moment the film was playing. Also some of the other films I consider the worst I have ever seen include: About a Boy, Heartbreakers, Weather Man, And Maleficent

[@timriehl1500]

Glad you also had the guts to say you hated it. I am tired of people trying to make me feel like an unsophicated hillbilly because I so dislike this movie.

[@jamesmoyner7499]

@@timriehl1500 Now you know that you are not alone.

[@demonictowtoe7983]

This is probably my second favorite corn brother's film, my favorite has to go to Inside Llewyn Davis, and NCFOM is up there too