O Brother Where Art Thou Meaning

On the surface, O Brother Where Art Thou?'s meaning may be overshadowed by its Three Stooges like comedy, but if you look a little deeper you will find a story about power and light.
#obrotherwhereartthoumeaning #movieanalysis #obrothermeaning
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[@tonywinkler9230]

Big Dan declares he sells "The Truth" as he raises his left hand, in exact opposition to swearing on a Bible... brilliant, subtle symbology... Excellent analysis, especially the ending.

[@Kamel419]

There are soooo many things like this in the movie. For example, Everette tells the blind man "only 4 of us can sign our names, the rest of us will just have to sign X's" - which was super slick, but essentially he was stealing from the blind man by acting like there were more people there than really were. Absolutely brilliant.

[@justinr9784]

Well spotted!

[@buggs9950]

"I'm sure the work you were looking for was symbolism"

[@thedannywarren]

@@buggs9950 I see what you did there

[@buggs9950]

@@thedannywarren I've just seen I wrote work not word..

[@stephens9462]

My attraction to this movie is that they travel to Tishomingo, MS to sing into a can. My mother grew up in Tishomingo during the depression.

[@MoralofthisStory]

Oh, that is awesome.

[@hlriiiviiiv9570]

The radio station looked like it was in the delta, and tishamingo is in hill country over past Tupelo, south of Corinth. Unless it was sat in a river bottom there.

[@IdLikeToSpeakToMyLawyer]

That’s the only discrepancy I can easily remember in this movie. Tommy says “you folks goin passed Tishomingo?“ to which they say yes, which would mean they’re just casually driving from the extreme western side of the state to the northeastern-most county in the state, Tishomingo (which is actually a county and a town within that county). You’d probably never know if you didn’t have a solid understanding of Mississippi geography though.

[@MoralofthisStory]

@@IdLikeToSpeakToMyLawyer Yes, I don't think they were thinking much about geography. I think they just liked the name 'Tishomingo'.

[@hlriiiviiiv9570]

They could have used tallahatchie count or the yocona, pronounced yahknee, river basin in the delta and been sound, but you’re right, like as not they fell in love with all the Chickasaw and Choctaw names for stuff that we have. I also agree 100 with Mrs Steele

[@c_dubbzz6127]

My HS english teacher played this movie in class. Every time I rewatch it, I go back in time and I feel like Im back in those days right before graduation. Feelings of total freedom. Good movie.

[@TheJbrot]

I used to play this for my 9th graders after we read the Odyssey for a compare contrast paper. Good fun, and I never tired of watching it with my students.

[@TheWartHawg]

Much better choice than my history teacher showing “Gone with the Wind.”

[@IdLikeToSpeakToMyLawyer]

I’m surprised you didn’t explain who Tommy represents. His character represents Robert Johnson, the father and founder of the blues who “sold is soul to the devil at the crossroads” in Clarksdale, MS (the delta, the poorest region of the poorest state in the nation) in the 20s.

[@carlosgaspar8447]

maybe too obvious.

[@wendellalmeida9119]

Tommy Johnson represents the real-life blues singer Tommy Johnson. As it was common for the time blues performers often "borrowed" content from other performers and made it their own. It is said that Tommy claimed he sold his soul to the devil and that Robert liked the story so well that he adopted for his own.

[@GuyHeadbanger]

I'm very sure, that I have seen a movie based on this story, but could not remember the name, do you happen to know?

[@kevincollins6497]

30's

[@tspicks4360]

@@GuyHeadbanger You might be thinking of the film "Crossroads", featuring Ralph Macchio and Steve Vai, which references the Robert Johnson mythology. Not a bad movie, has a cool guitar duel between those two at a climactic moment.

[@warrens.5933]

IMHO one this is one of the best movies ever made. Such a wild and entertaining story. lovely music, acting and cinematography and a very clever script. Also a great tribute to that period of history. Just a perfectly well rounded movie!

[@timjohnson1199]

Not only did it keep a grin on my mug it kept my mind engaged and I found something new everytime I watched it.

[@JayAr709]

“The moral of this story, the moral of this song, is simply that one should never be where one does not belong.”-Bob Dylan

[@bhansen52]

and muttered underneath his breath that nothing is revealed

[@bpeper1365]

And where’s that?

[@jeangonzalez9703]

@@bpeper1365 look up "the ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest" by Bob Dylan

[@Jahmar-il6pc]

You #lJahman Jaling Jehan Jehan

[@Jahmar-il6pc]

😅I

[@joewheeler6634]

The references to the Odyssey that are given in the film are numerous. In the opening credits of the film a line of text “O Muse! Sing in me, and through me tell the story…” which is also the opening line of the The Odyssey. The other major similarities are the character names. George Clooney’s character, Ulysses ‘Everett’ McGill and Ulysses is the Latin translation of Odysseus furthermore the wife’s character is named Penny which is the short form name for Penelope (Odysseus wife). The Governor of Mississippi in the film is Menelaus ‘Pappy’ ODaniel who shares the same first name as the Odysseus’s brother in arms and King of Sparta. Moreover the governor’s opponent in the election is a character names Homer Stokes who shares the same first name as the author of the epic poem. John Goodmans character Daniel “Big Dan” Teague is a character with only one good eye which may be considered homage to Polyphemus who was the Cyclops in the epic Poem. In the film there are a large group of women found cleaning clothes in the river it is their beautiful singing voices which bare a striking resemblance to the Sirens in the epic poem. Lastly, in the film there is a character who is a blind railroad hobo and it is this character who acts much like a prophet, one could argue that this character is in may respects very similar to Tiresias who portrays the blind ghost prophet in the poem. In regards to parallels in the film which mirror that of the epic poem many examples can be found. For example it is he case that Everett’s Crew (Delmar and Pete) portray three themes found in Odysseus’s crew which is irresponsibility, irrationality and mutiny. It is the case that on many instances Pete rebels against Everett’s authority which is very similar to that of Eurylochus.
There is an excellent scene in the film where the crew members disguise themselves as members of the Ku Klux Klan in order to make a swift escape. It is the case that in the Odyssey, the crew members disguised themselves from the blind Cyclops by tying themselves to the underside of sheep in order to make their escape. In the film the protagonist has a daughter whom until later in the film he had never seen in Person. The very same can be said for Odysseus who had mad many allusions to having never seen his child Telemachus. As a final example and probably the most important parallel, it is the case that the character Everett is making his journey back to his wife and encounters many difficult circumstances that hinder his progress, much like that of Odysseus. Everett is making his journey back to stop the marriage of his wife to Vernon much like Odysseus making the journey back to kill his wife’s suitors. Finally when Everett does actually confront Vernon he is badly beaten one could argue that this is similar to how Telemachus is unable to stop his mother’s suitors. In conclusion it is the case that although one may not see all of the similarities between the Odyssey and O brother Where Art Thou on the surface, however it is the case that upon closer examination one can find many parallels between the film and the epic poem.

[@geraldfriend256]

Yeah just read the credits where it says based on The Odyssey and we good

[@ryhanon7]

@@geraldfriend256 lol

[@joewheeler6634]

@@geraldfriend256 well genius, the point of my post wasn’t that the movie is based on the epic poem. Pretty much everyone knows that. I was pointing out all of the specific parallels that I was able to find. If you aren’t interested in that, guess what? That’s right….you don’t have to read it! See how that works? Of course, anyone who has never read the Odyssey probably won’t appreciate it, if you know what I mean 😏

[@monkpato]

Great summary!

[@jameslucas5590]

@@geraldfriend256 LOL. Still it was a good write up.

[@r.shanethompson7933]

It's the only movie ever in my life that I watched from beginning to end and then immediately watched it begining to end for a second time in same evening. No other film have I done that with or even wanted to do so. This is just SO good in SO many ways it's almost impossible to put it into words.

[@MoralofthisStory]

It is pretty great.

[@gabrielharrison4094]

Did the exact same thing😂😂🔥 couldn’t agree more

[@mdog86]

Reminds me of when it released in the theater, it was such a huge sensation. We ended up going back to the theater at least 4 times that I can remember to rewatch it lol.

[@thomaseubank1503]

I used to do that with the 90's Treasure Island with Christian Bale and Charlton Hesston.

[@r.shanethompson7933]

@@thomaseubank1503 is that good? I like both Bale and Heston and I loved the book as a kid but I don't remember ever seeing that movie. Who played Silver? Heston?

[@tghaney3633]

I'm so glad that you mentioned The Odyssey. After reading The Iliad and The Odyssey 50 years ago, I seem to see the story repeated in many stories. Even in my own life experience.

[@MoralofthisStory]

Yes, it has been an influence on much that has come since.

[@bobf5360]

Yeah I'm not sure where your idea of a "three stooges" appearance comes from here. How much more on the nose can you be than name your primary character ULYSSES Evrett McGill? Have sirens seduce them? A blind seer? Only the most illiterate movie goer could have missed these and thought it a three stooges farce. Or do they not teach Homer in primary school anymore? Having said that, the rest of your analysis is well done.

[@MoralofthisStory]

@@bobf5360 The Three Stooges comment came from a friend of mine who after watching it for the first time dismissed it as little more than a Three Stooges movie. (See my other O Brother video for my reaction to him). His flippant comment was one of the inspirations for me doing an analysis of this movie.

[@dustinfirkins5736]

No one taught me Homer, and I didn't read the odyssey until I was 35. BTW my middle name is Everett. Salute

[@dustinfirkins5736]

To the OP that ain't no bull brother, trust me your father left a path. We are blind, but if you search the answers are there before you find the questions. We mostly miss, don't feel bad it's wasted.

[@UFCandWeed]

I always thought the 3 men digging the graves at the end were supposed to look like the 3 protagonists until they turn around. You just see their backs for a while and it looks like our 3, digging their own graves.

[@MoralofthisStory]

Nice perspective.

[@marrizzy746]

Shit you ain't even ol timing!

[@RBYW1234]

@@MoralofthisStory kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJO9ZYt9gKh1nJY

[@floridaman_6079]

@@MoralofthisStory in the scene where all 3 are being strung up, Pete is the only one who is not worried because he knows he is right with the Lord. Delmar is wheeling and praying because of his supposed regret of being saved after meeting George.

[@mikearchibald744]

@@floridaman_6079 Or he remembers the blind man with 'the powers' who says 'heaven has vouchsafed your reward'. But I tend to more agree with you.

[@warrens.5933]

I caught a lot of the undertones amidst my many viewings but NEVER thought about the physical and metaphorical baptism of the ending. LOVE IT!

[@Jmjmjmjmjmjmjmjmjmjmjm1]

I love hearing Ralph Stanley in this movie. His voice just kept getting better as he aged, and I feel like he was at the height of his powers for this soundtrack.

[@JB19504]

"Death, won't ya spare me another year."

[@Kamel419]

I've seen this movie so many times, I have most of it memorized. I never realized these hidden narratives going on within it until you pointed them out. Great work

[@IdLikeToSpeakToMyLawyer]

Excellent analysis. This is my all time favorite movie and your editing was top tier. Especially the end.

[@Colmleft]

Ditto

[@GuyHeadbanger]

Same here.

[@joneich1591]

I must see this now. 😊😇👍

[@runwillrobinson]

My thoughts exactly!

[@andersonroll1501]

couldn't have said it better

[@AndyCan]

Good analysis. Missed the parallel with Odyssey in getting home in time to save Penelope from the suitors

[@richardblock2458]

Absolutely. Clooney is the resourceful Odysseus, the one who has an answer for everything, hoping to go back to Penelope to save her from the suitors. Not the modern man who rejects God. Ethan Cohen is jut funniness with you, son.

[@AndyCan]

@@richardblock2458 yes and the disguise as an old tramp too. He’s obviously a bit of an anti-Odysseus in a comical kind of way. By the way, the bloody revenge on the suitors in homer has a bit of John wick about it. .

[@Getorix]

Probably because this wasn't meant to be about the parallels between this and the odyssey, even though he touches on it.

[@AndyCan]

@@Getorix yeah good point.

[@craigmilliman2763]

We also saw Machine Gun Kelly butchering cows, just as Odysseus's men early in Homer's poem. The cows belonged to the god Apollo. As for the blind seers, we should remember that in all his appearances in Greek literature, Tiresias was never wrong.

[@CanIHasThisName]

Oh wow! That is a really good analysis. Even ignoring the context, straight to the point, avoiding sidetracking into lengthy explanations. Great job.

[@MoralofthisStory]

Thanks!

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Nicely told, you have the right timbre of voice for this here moral telling

[@MoralofthisStory]

Thank you!

[@DarkAssassin2259]

This legitimately made me tear up and almost cry (I stop myself from crying, I need to unlearn that) from how beautiful this was made. It's such a good analysis and it really brings a whole new meaning to the movie. I understood what it was about, but this really gets into the meat and potatoes of how good the Coen Brothers are at making this movie

[@MoralofthisStory]

Thank you Daylan!

[@logicaladmin8886]

I am not a religious person but my father who was from Italy was when I was a young man we used to walk to his restaurant to make bread early in the morning and every morning we would pass a homeless man screaming and fury that God had a message for all of us my father would stop and talk to this man every morning as I got older this became a little wary some for me and then one day I asked my father why does he stop and talk to this crazy man and my father's reply has stuck with me ever since.. he said son who's to say that this man is the only man on the planet who's got a direct connection with God he is the link that we have all been looking for he may or may not be the only person on the planet who can foresee the future and or the past because God tells him things. Never judge a man by what he has what he does or what he looks like judge a man by the content of his character in that.

[@celticmulato2609]

Critical Race Theory disagrees with you unfortunately!

[@MoralofthisStory]

Your father sounds like a wise and patient man.

[@jayhanneman8962]

Wow, I never thought about this movie is that deep in meaning and relevance.

[@RBYW1234]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJO9ZYt9gKh1nJY

[@bicyclist2]

I love this movie. I might even have it on DVD. The analysis is very spot on. Its been a few years since I've seen this. Please keep up the good work. Thank you.

[@Tmrfe0962]

Great commentary. Definitely a top 5 movie for me, and you’re analysis was dead on. I’ll be rewatching it today. Thank you

[@oompaloompa7280]

Your explanation of this movie was amazing. I see this movie in a totally different light now. I can't wait to watch it again after seeing your video. Thank you so much !

[@MoralofthisStory]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it.

[@atilamatamoros7499]

Congratulations. Your voice, delivery, makes the narration a total listening pleasure.

[@aaronmatthew7280]

You have amazing breakdowns. Can’t wait for your next one 🙏🏽

[@susan-1love]

This movie is a true piece of art I love when a great movie is made that is good enough to showcase an actors gifts thank you for the video 👍👍

[@AirShay]

Thank you so much for posting this! I just watched the movie for the first time with no prior knowledge of it at all and I was honestly pretty confused after watching it. Your video just explained so much!

[@ad2181]

Thank you Coen Brothers for another masterpiece.

[@kevinfinnerty8414]

For being Jewish. Many of there movies have a Christian undertone.

[@Yes.no.maybe.so.]

That was really good. I enjoyed it and had some of the same feelings during the film, although not all of them, it put a fresher perspective and a little more appreciation for the movie. It is one of my favorite movies, though. I remember watching it with my grandma when it came out, and how much more relevant she made the movie ( I was 15....and she explained what riding on a rail represented and made it that much more funny by understanding that saying....and the sirens lmao.) Man.....I was trying to say how much I liked this video and why I love the movie.....and now I'm just over here missing my grandma! anyways...That was a really good.

[@reginamoro4269]

One of the best films i've ever seen. Never tire of watching it over and over.

[@oogafoo]

This is a really good video and I'm sad to see you don't have many. If you made a series of Meaning videos, if you have the time to, they would do really well.

[@lukeharris1333]

This is amazing man I’m so glad I found ya

[@MoralofthisStory]

Thanks!

[@Left4Deadluver]

@@MoralofthisStory youve got a new subscriber out of me man. Just beautiful

[@sandraelder1101]

So glad you mentioned Sullivan’s Travels, another gem of a comedy with thought-provoking underlying themes & quite an arc for the main character.

[@lukesolomon8900]

Wow what a great analysis, there are so many references and symbolisms that I never picked up on, great vid

[@MoralofthisStory]

Thanks Luke

[@justinr9784]

I loved this film even when I saw it as a kid. (ten or eleven) It's one that grows on you and you never forget. It's also just a really comfy, funny and unique film. Great synopsis! Keep up the good work.

[@pranz2984]

Loved this video!!!!! Loved all the insights and analysis!!!

[@bonniefay933]

Love that movie! Thanks for the great analysis. Gonna have to watch it again now. Keep up the good work.

[@TheZoePath]

This is one of my favorite movies! Hilariously thought-provoking.

[@youngkingdom8131]

I’d expect you to have hundreds of thousands of subscribers with the quality of this video - keep up the good work!

[@MoralofthisStory]

Thanks!

[@Aaron-ge1hy]

This is BRILLIANT! Thank you 👍🏼

[@every1join]

Absolutely incredible. Not sure words can capture my appreciation for this analysis. KNow that it has impacted me and others. Incredible and keep up the content!

[@MoralofthisStory]

Wow! Thank you for your response.

[@elphi4321]

I have always enjoyed this movie from the first time I watched it. It was the songs, then the escaping one close call after another that got me hooked. But this prospective of yours, I can see where I was missing the bigger picture (yes, pun intended). Great job. Keep up the good work.

[@ralphlivingston894]

That was great. I was an English major in college and I’m embarrassed to say I missed a lot of these references… Thank goodness I found your video! Really enjoyed it!

[@MoralofthisStory]

Thanks Ralph. I appreciate it!

[@Ascertivus]

Excellent explanation and analysis of one of my favorite movies! Very nice.

[@yerpster]

One of my all time favorite movies. I’ve rewatched this movie multiple times and will continue to do so

[@theageofisgone]

FIVE STAR ANALYSIS!!! Thank You so much for bringing out the true analogy of this movie and all of the characters in it. Much like those each of us has to deal with every day!

[@mrjayslab]

I love this movie - but didn't catch all the allusions & nuances until I saw this analysis - made me appreciate it much more.

[@miltinhao]

Fluent in my mother language other than English, I watched this movie without subtitles. Needless to say, I missed out on most of the dialogues. Thanks for putting the meaning to the picture I fell in love with, a long time ago. Great job.

[@MoralofthisStory]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@craigwg]

I've known little bits of this but this presentation is seamless and fantastic. Thanks for this video.

[@MoralofthisStory]

Glad you liked it!

[@ryansebastian945]

This is such a good video. You did a great job on this.

[@umbreonics2448]

I remember having to watch this movie as an asignment in reading class, and it has very heavy inspirations from the odyssey

[@Mars057]

Amazing video, excellently structured together.

[@MoralofthisStory]

Much appreciated!

[@musicauthority674]

Exactly the story comes full circle.

[@jimscanlan7385]

That was a beautiful telling. Nice job, sir.

[@johnvanlandingham1150]

Thank you! I enjoyed your insight!!! I'll share this with others.

[@voicetube]

That was TERRIFIC! Even not understanding most of that, this was/is still one of my favorite films of all time. Thank you for taking the time to create this video and share these back-story viewpoints with us!

[@MoralofthisStory]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CrankErUp]

I'm with you @voicetube-------I've absolutely loved this movie, but could never fully explain why, or relate to others my enthusiasm over it. I now understand at a deeper level, ---and can appreciate the fact that 'God' is always looking to welcome us back into union with Him, despite the protestations from our ego, and the distractions of this material world.

[@connorteigen5430]

Seriously underrated channel! Excellent content!

[@MoralofthisStory]

I appreciate that!

[@DonnaSnyder]

I've watched this movie and parts of this movie many times and always love it. The music particularly enchants me.

[@cranberriesdoodle1450]

Thank you so much for this analysis and well put interpretation.

[@chrismartin4892]

Such beautiful summary of a great movie.

[@debrafischer807]

I haven’t seen the movie in a long time….and I hadn’t even referenced it to the Bible….I just knew there was something significant about it. Now it make total sense.

[@samc220]

Great analysis and soothing voice! I really liked how you briefly touched on the religious influences behind "Man of Constant Sorrow." Not only does the soundtrack fit the setting and the tone, but it also reinforces the religious themes driving the narrative. The soundtrack is a deeply profound and essential part of this film that cannot be overlooked. No wonder it earned numerous awards.

[@MoralofthisStory]

Thank you for your insightful and kind words.

[@karltaylor4455]

Excellent! I knew part of the story and I love this film. It's come full circle now.

[@deechicka4425]

Great essay on a modern allegory.

[@YogiYarnham1709]

The ending is not a comparison to Joana. It's the point in the odyssey when Odysius having lost all his crew and his ship is drowning in a stormy sea and is being tormented by Poseidon for his years of trying to defy the gods. Odysius is finally humbled and forced to acknowledge and accept the authority and will of Poseidon and Olympus.

[@MoralofthisStory]

Thanks for clearing that up

[@YogiYarnham1709]

@@MoralofthisStory I will say your interpretations was brilliant and Likewise I feel it was also true. This is after all a fusion of the odyssey and Christianity. I feel it's a mix between the climax of the odyssey when Odysius finally realizes the futility in fighting against the will of the Gods and of Christian Ideology adding the figure of the Devil as the tormentor instead of God. Very Brilliant analyses

[@CanIHasThisName]

@@YogiYarnham1709 Various religions and mythologies tell different stories to communicate similar ideas. Perhaps it could be that they've all had a common source, or perhaps these ideas are simply older than the stories. At the end of the day, recognising the story is not as important as understanding the idea.

[@mikearchibald744]

Yes, I also think its both, which is kind of the point of the movie, fusing greek mythology and old testament mythology from christian america. They are both 'in general' the same moral lesson. Rebuking god, being punished for it, repenting, getting a second chance. I'd also add its also about lessons in lack of faith, as both are told at the beginning that 'heaven has vouchsafed your reward' and the intrinsic nature of the gods in the Odyssey "not without a gods will did this bird pass you on the right". In Johah its more foreshadowing than direct implication as its sometimes said he is reserructed by Elijah in Kings and Acts. So it definitely has parrallels in both, but not directly, the flood in the movie is what SAVES the men from death. There were too many ads and I got sick of waiting so haven't watched it yet, sorry, but I will, I love this movie and think it FAR surpasses anything else the Coen brothers have done, although it seldom gets much ink. Its also the only movie I can really stand George Clooney in. There aren't many films I'd call a work of art, but this one certainly is. Anyway, sorry if this is stealing thunder but the flood acts both as antagonist-meaning its the central act that motivates the plot, and yet ultimately provides their redemption. Thats actually pretty brilliant but I'm not smart enough to know what that means. I'm trying to think of another example in another story or film where the main 'problem' that motivates the action "they dam that river on the twenty fifth" but then ultimately ends up being what saves them. I can't think of one but it may be one of those things where suddenly all kinds of stories and movies fit the bill. Water is often redemptive, as we see early in the film, but its interesting that they make sure to show that river opaque, it is not 'pure'. The water the sirens are in doesn't seem to server a literary purpose, but it is cleaner than the water they are baptized in, and the flood at the end you can see everything floating throughout the water. That could be nothing but an aesthetic choice but also could be a jewish dismissal of the idea of 'instant rebirth' in christianity.

[@stevedoredandyfunk3032]

I believe I read once that neither of the Cohen Bros had actually read the Odyssey when they wrote this movie. They took the broadest strokes from what they were aware of it, but filled in the fine details with strong Christian themes of the Great Depression and a lot of real southern lore. The comparison to the story of Jonah is just as likely to be true as the direct allusion to Poseidon or any other similar tales because the Cohens went out of their way to put as many ingredients in this stew as possible.

[@saraw5942]

This is one of the most interesting videos I have ever seen, and I watch a lot. Thank you, I had no idea what that movie was about, except the fact that it was a well put together comedy. You deserve an Emmy, Grammy, some type of reward.

[@chrisherb9835]

Great video man, I'm surprised you dont have more subscribers!

[@jameshunter5413]

Excellent commentary. Thank you.

[@sandraelder1101]

A masterpiece of a film with many delightful layers! I think I discover something else every time I see it.

[@janeydoe1665]

Well said 👍🏻

[@1987cz]

Damn man ill watch it with different eyes now. Good analysis!

[@janochs]

Hi Kevin. I came across your analysis in September of 2023 and quite touched by your ability to see the symbolism in this film. This film has been one of my absolute favorites, but you pointed out a few things I missed and opened my eyes wider. Thank you! 😊

[@MoralofthisStory]

Thank you!

[@ashleymarie7452]

Amazing. Relevant. Truthful. Thanks! Very insightful. Now I have to watch the movie all over again. I never realized what I had missed. Thank you! And I don't say that lightly!!

[@mitchjohnson4714]

This got me thinking about the Odyssey and how it might mesh with the meaning you've outlined here. I did a quick search to try to figure out why they were condemned to go on the Odyssey and something (maybe a mix of Wikipedia and Quora) said is was (1) ticking off Poseidon before leaving Troy, and (2) REALLY ticking off Poseidon by blinding Polyphemus. But the part about blinding Polyphemus isn't fair at all. They were weary travelers who could have robbed Polyphemus, and they were entitled to his hospitality, but instead of showing them hospitality, he started eating them, and tried to eat all of them. That Poseidon would side with his son (Polyphemus) was a monumental injustice, however understandable. I don't know this for certain, but I'm inclined to think that the "point" of the Odyssey is found in the choice at the Island of Calypso. Odysseus can choose to live in eternal bliss with this goddess, or he can continue his journey of peril and pain as a mortal in the search for his wife. He chooses mortality. So it seems to me that the Odyssey is about choosing mortality, or choosing to face mortality, with all of its inherent injustice. I'm a fan of saying that God is the unjust Judge in mortality. It is only when life stretches on to immortality that God's perfect justice and perfect mercy come into play. So I thought it was just a gimmick that this show was also "about" the Odyssey, but I can see how a story about "finding" Jesus can mesh perfectly with a story about choosing to face mortality.

[@donprincoify]

Great analysis of an excellent movie. One of my all time favorite movies.

[@MoralofthisStory]

Thanks Don!

[@aaronmarcantel5367]

Thank you I've seen the movie before I missed it the meeting behind it but I'm definitely going to have to rewatch it again thank you again God be with you and be blessed

[@VirgilTStone]

Just discovered your work. Outstanding!!!!!! Happy to say I subscribed after watching this, and typing this comment. Keep up the good work!

[@MoralofthisStory]

Awesome, thank you!

[@TomFromYoutube]

It's over 20 years old and me and my coworkers quote this movie all the time!

[@MoralofthisStory]

Well ain't this place a geographical oddity - two weeks from everywhere!

[@kris242]

One common theme you always see in a Coen Bros’ movie is “That which cannot be explained should not be explained.” The tornado in ‘A Serious Man,’ the UFO in ‘The Man Who Wasn’t There,’ Anton’s pure existence in “No Country for Old Men,’ hell, this idea is even referenced in TV version Fargo in things like the UFO in Season 2 or Burgle’s inability to use technology in Season 3. The Coens are always trying to bring up this Nihilistic idea that the world is chaos and meaning is simply a human concept. I think it’s amazing and the way they put it into such an artistic form where “meaning” always seems to have a pejorative is an absolutely a beautiful “fuck you” to the idea.

[@Colmleft]

Wow. Just wow. Seems inadequate but a comment as insightful as the video.

[@kris242]

@@Colmleft and inadequacy is exactly the point here 🤣 very well done, my dear ❤️

[@maxmeh2342]

"The Coens are always trying to bring up this Nihilistic idea that the world is chaos and meaning is simply a human concept." It's strange. At 57 years of age, and without being a disciple of any organized philosophies, I have reached the same conclusion myself. Maybe that's what draws me to the Coen Brothers' works.

[@kris242]

@current_interest well it’s sorta really the conflict between the two ideas. Because, while the Blind Seer is indeed clairvoyant, Ulysses acts as the nihilistic perspective to everything that happens in the film. And remember that the treasure that drives these men along is indeed never found (or even exists). Making the ultimate purpose meaningless, but also making the adventure itself the true significance.

[@duderama6750]

@@kris242 There is no earthly reward to compensate for the loss of a soul.

[@yindyamarra]

I learnt more here than watching the movie, I'm going back to rewatch and pick out what you have put light on

[@RobertByrneFL]

Thank you. One of my favorites!

[@clarabee1880]

Beautifully explained! Chunhyang is a Korean film that has extremely deep moralistic inferences, and I would love to hear your interpretation. Every review I’ve read about it is so far off the mark it’s like they missed the entire movie. This important movie is rich in culture and philosophical meaning, and the story dates back hundreds of years. If you do a piece on this movie please also post it on IMDB so others can see the deeper meaning.

[@MoralofthisStory]

I will have to check that one out. I am not familiar with it. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@clarabee1880]

@@MoralofthisStory thank you!

[@thelionsshare6668]

This is one of my top three personal favorites, alongside "the Fisher King," and Branagh's "Henry V." AWESOME analysis. I actually saw this for the first time on an airplane headed from Britain to Israel, and when the movie was over, I checked the "map channel" to see where we were... over the Aegean sea.

[@MoralofthisStory]

Very cool first viewing experience and great personal favorites!

[@LopanArchipelago]

Easily in my top 5 movies of all time. You nailed it too!

[@renallen4873]

My favourite movie of all time. Thankyou for this breakdown; that’s all I got.

[@fAke1212]

Great analysis as always!

[@marrizzy746]

Shit you ain't even ol timing

[@jessegarcia2060]

I had know idea that this movie is truly a great film .Now I can watch it again with this in mine.

[@101325]

Thank you for this excellent analysis.

[@El.Duder-ino]

Excellent explanation, thank you👍

[@lindasmith4435]

One of my favorite movies love it

[@Nick-zu9sn]

Really excellent interpretation. The message I completely think is fallacious, but you captured it and did a fantastic job of distinguishing it. Nice work!

[@MoralofthisStory]

I love this comment so much. It doesn't matter if I am wrong or not - and how can anyone be sure - but you understood my interpretation and even appreciated it. Thank you!

[@protahgonist]

@@MoralofthisStory I too thoroughly enjoyed this, even though I think I can see an alternative "moral". The fun of this format is that almost all stories can be interpreted as have many different morals (sometimes all at once) but you make a solid video essay about one. It helps that this is my favorite movie of all time, and therefore an excellent introduction to your channel. May the algorithm be praised for helping me find it!

[@MoralofthisStory]

@@protahgonist This was just my interpretation at the time from one angle that I was focusing on. I don't claim to have the only take or know the only moral. There are many ways to look at this movie - or any good movie really.

[@sderoski1]

"Baptism" is symbol for the South need to be reconciled with the "sins" of Slavery and racism which continue to damn this nation to today

[@ckuiper7332]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing!

[@goldenbear8250]

Well done!👍 Thank you!!🙏

[@snail2661]

This video was so helpful, i've always loved this movie because it's a fun story on it's own but you can just TELL that the story has a deeper meaning but i'm not clever enough to understand it on my own

[@MoralofthisStory]

Glad to help. Thanks for the comment.

[@evanschneider7123]

You mentioned the Odyssey as an elucidation of the Cyclops, but the whole movie is a retelling of that second Homeric book. I'm surprised you didn't mention that. It's important, for instance, to underscore that the flood at the end isn't just god saving them, but it is literally Deus Ex Machina, an incredibly common literary devise found throughout Greek literature and plays. That said, this is some top notch film criticism.

[@MoralofthisStory]

Thanks! I'm pretty sure that I mention that O Brother was loosely based on the Odyssey, but apparently I didn't give Homer enough credit because other people have been calling me out on that as well. Here is an interesting article about how the Coens didn't set out to make a film based on the Odyssey and how they haven't actually read it - only a comic version: www.cbsnews.com/news/the-coen-brothers-wacky-odyssey/

[@evanschneider7123]

@@MoralofthisStory You are very gracious. Perhaps it is my listening comprehension that needs a little work. Fascinating article. Thank you for sharing.

[@alanvonweltin6820]

Love the little touch of adding the woolwoth's guy at the end...running joke in our family is all of them or just that one store

[@marcortiz4855]

One of the best channels ever dude. Awesome

[@MoralofthisStory]

Wow. Thank you very much!

[@random_user9696]

Your doing great man 👍👍

[@random_user9696]

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[@MoralofthisStory]

Thanks 👍

[@cindaflame]

Oh this was well done!!!

[@MoralofthisStory]

Thank you!

[@haroldkarl6708]

Simply wonderful, thank you. l

[@PBRStreetgang911]

One of my favourite movies, lots of great insights. Cheers.