Why Inside Llewyn Davis is Uplifting, Not Depressing

Inside Llewyn Davis is the Coen Brothers film that creates the greatest rift among their fanbase. Some love, others hate it. Love or Hate, this movie is often cited as being extremely depressing, but I tend to disagree.
Inside Llewyn Davis soundtrack is one of my favorites and the movie itself one of my favorite movies, A movie I find to be rather uplifting. And in this video, I use the philosophy of Albert Camus and the Absurd to explain why.
Some more fantastic video essays and resources on Inside Llewyn Davis:
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The trailer for Inside Llewyn Davis: • Inside Llewyn Davis - ...
The Coen Brothers and Guillermo del Toro on INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS: • The Coen Brothers and ...
Coen Brothers: Inside Llewyn Davis Interview: • Coen Brothers Intervie...
Academy Conversations: Inside Llewyn Davis: • Academy Conversations:...
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[@kennethmatthewn.tabbilos1584]

I think the best way to describe the film is bittersweet. It still gives you some sort of deep feeling yet at the end you are at some aspect uplifted.

[@FunkSoulBrother7]

Just like most folk songs

[@bellbrass]

I recently saw it for the first time. I expected to not like it much; I had heard a few things about it being slow-paced, boring, etc. But I found it to be a wonderful slice of life, and as an amateur musician who has lived, at times, a life of waiting for that next gig, I found it to be poetic in its vision. It was still full of Coenisms. Venal men behind desks, awkward humor out of nowhere, bad guys that foul up the narrative, and somehow...a joy to it all. The music gave weight to the story. The writing, though, made it sail. Nobody does dialogue quite like the Coen Brothers.

[@gregdrohan8724]

Except for that awkward humor. i'd say awful not awkward. but the music makes it watchable.

[@AJFStudios]

I think there’s also something to be said about Llewyn’s final performance of “Dink’s Song”. For me that’s the climax as it represents his acceptance of Mike’s death and his identity, playing a song he could only play with mike before. To me that’s the most optimistic and clear “arc” that Llewelyn achieved, albeit untraditionally

[@maureenmurphy7817]

I agree. Was blown away by this film when it came out. There is a great music scene in Wash. DC and many amazing artists quietly dealing with such journies in many different ways. I knew a very gifted person who reminded me very much of the lead in this film This person mused that being a born musican was a "curse" in some ways but if it was your path to take, it felt like there was no other choice.

[@andrewhargate5291]

YES! I'm so glad I read this as I thought the same, that final performance of Dink by Llewyn was him truly expressing all his pent up grief and frustration and the real Artist in himself.

[@KaneMidge]

I read the book that Inside Llewyn Davis was based on and you can tell where the tone of the movie came from. Dave Van Ronk has such a whimsical way of talking and writing even though he touches on subjects that were the opposite. A sardonic wit to everything, very similar to the Coens in that way. Great video, I've been writing a video essay on The Myth of Sisyphus and Inside Llewyn Davis and you put it into words that I never could hah. Really great stuff, can't wait to see you blow up.

[@laughingdog9614]

I must a watched it thirty times.... know all the songs..... dreamed about it before it was made when it was mentioned in dispatches.... true to the heart of the isolated individual seeking connection.... one hit can fix you up......thanks for this...

[@christianmcnally5290]

Great video. The overall tone definitely captures that depressing theme but the meaning is one on a positive note

[@RenegadeFilm86]

As a wise man once said, "It never ends." This movie captures that perfectly

[@TheRealDarrylStrawberry]

The Cat is Llewyns grief, depression and love for Mike. All of which forces Llewyn into a "wild adventure" that ultimately ends with his farewell song to his career as Bob Dylan takes the stage and Llewyn finally gets a real life lesson in the beating. Note, when he leaves the cat is when we realize the opening scene was the end but this time he sings Fare The Well...the song he and mikey used to sing. Mikey the cat. Also, Mike jumped off the GW bridge and the cat is also named after a president. Llewyn also HATES the Kennedy song but sings about Queen Jane who both died tragically. (The structure of this movie is soooooooo intricate) I highly recommend A Simple Man. Its like the brother movie to ILD.

[@MB-xh4gf]

Man. I finished the film not an hour ago and was feeling completely hopeless and nihilistic. This brought me back and gave me hope. Thank you.

[@EvanKakouris]

Thank you so much for this video man, I was searching for essays from other people who got the same point out of the film as I did. Love the connection you did with Camus and I felt validated that you actually saw it as uplifting too!

[@grayforester]

I just loved it. I've had it up to here with movies like Rocket Man that prioritize he adulation of the crowd over the value of self-expression. Inside Llewyn Davis reminded me of what I've seen making music for a living.

[@ReelWatch]

One of my absolute fave movies ever, that blend of dark depressive tones with beautiful hazy glimmers of delight 👌

[@tulyar57]

The film's music producer T Bone Burnett claimed that he saw the movie as a folk song with disparate verses and the first verse reprising at the end. Maybe he has a point in that folk songs can be both depressing but uplifting. The film is cathartic and it is both depressing and beautiful. Just enjoy the ride.

[@Sam_Varley]

Extraordinary. Can’t believe I found this channel before it blows up. This is some great work.

[@RenegadeFilm86]

Thank you! 🖤

[@kamrang2]

Fantastic analysis of a beautifully profound film that I hadn't considered. I would argue that another way to look at it is that Llewyn's stubbornness (or persistence, as you call it) is a double-edged sword that also keeps him from reaching the career success he wants. This is a man who's so obsessed with his own self-image of a struggling and uncompromising artist, that he actually self-sabotages his career on multiple occasions (intentionally or unconsciously) to maintain his internal narrative of an "authentic" folk musician. He forgoes royalties on a song that is later speculated to become a hit, plays perhaps his least commercially appealing song at a job interview he traveled all the way to Chicago for, and turns down an offer to temporarily play in a group that could get him new exposure. His blind dedication to authenticity - that is, age-old folk music that he feels beholden to honoring- is contrasted by Dylan's revolutionary songwriting, which we know will lead to tremendous success. And thus, his obsession with how he thinks a struggling musician should act to maintain that artistic authenticity (as a self-righteous and musical Sisphyus of sorts) is a self-fulfilling prophecy that keeps him in this unending loop of struggle.

[@jbc22112]

Well, there are other clues. But it's done in a way that you have to rewatch it to even notice. In the first scene, it seems like Llewyn is talented folk singer and has an audience, but then everything goes downhill, or it seems because you can't know that following scene is the past and not present. You'll find out in the end, that the first scene was the present, but they don't show you again the same song from the first scene, but another song, which he decides to finally play on his own after Mike's death. So I picked up three uplifting things about this double scene with two different songs. 1) You can't see it in the final scene but in the first scene there are people shown mesmerized by him, forgetting smoking their cigarettes, everyone paying attention. He probably finally made an impact on people. 2) He plays that "Mike's song" which is pretty good, the performance is great, but you don't see people anymore. You can see them only in the first scene which you forget by the end of the movie. But based on what we saw in the first scene, people probably loved it even more than the first song. 3) It's mentioned in the movie that during this night there will be reporter from the Times, if I remember correctly. So, he might have gotten some recognition in papers the next day or so. We basically just saw one winter in his life and everyone assumed that he's gonna end up like starving musician forever. But to me, he will be one of those folk artists who's gonna make records and be able to make music in following decades. So I also don't see it as depressing movie.

[@klausnordmeyer]

A reasonable assumption about the reporter is that he is there to do a write-up on Bob Dylan (Dylan received favorable reviews in the New York Times early on).

[@ChordtoChord]

Llewin doesnt connect with people because he doesn't think he should have to. His music alone should win them. But the movie ends as he beginning to see his error. The trip to Chicago has forced him to see his own selfishness. He tells the girl who has continually berated him that he loves her. Llewin rises from being sucker punched, to watch his assailant leave and he says "au revoir". The Coen brothers wanted us to at least ask the question: Did he do that because he admires the husband who loves and defends his wife? Someday someone should make a lighthearted comedy about the loves, laughs and music of the New York sixties folk scene. But it won't replace "Inside Llewin Davis"

[@1rwjwith]

It’s close to a masterpiece for me but I can see where a lot of folks would not be able to relate to the music or the subject matter. For me I have watched it at least 10 times over the years but I am a musician who relates to that era even though it was before my time.

[@lucky6672]

This video is perfect, just perfect. Keep up the GREAT work!!!

[@RenegadeFilm86]

That means a lot!

[@MrBojangles877]

That was awesome. One of my favorite movies for sure. Love the music, atmosphere, humor and cinematography. Yeaa heyy

[@miketurek3074]

Love this movie. I'm not a musician but I Love music, especially live music in small, intimate venues. Music has helped me keep my sanity in an Insane World. Inside Llewyn Davis in an odd way reminds me of my own life, now nearing its end. What A Long Strange Trip Its Been.

[@tomaswilliamson9685]

I like the movie very much. The performances are wonderful. Oscar Isaac's talent blows me away. All the words about it, the effort to make it a canvas on which philosophies are tested, so many words that have nothing to do with life that just is.

[@marceloshg]

Such a great script. Awesome video man! I'm subscribed, please don't stop making videos like this.

[@RenegadeFilm86]

I greatly appreciate you! More great content on the way soon!

[@stevefrayne]

EXCELLENT Analysis. I hated this movie when I first saw it. Same with A Serious Man. But I have come to respect them both tremendously for a reason you pointed out. The Coen’s are just way too talented for me to reject their work if it makes me uncomfortable. It warrants study and rewards it. I’ve never read Camus before but this dilemma you present of responses to absurdity resonates with me. I’ve always thought LLEWYN is doomed to failure when Bob Dylan appears because he isn’t as talented and will never reach those heights of acceptance. But I like your take that the explosion in popularity that Dylan will bring, and the rising economic tide for folk music may be enough to lift all boats and may just be enough to keep his boat from crashing on the rocks below the surface of life’s absurd roiling waters.

[@maureenmurphy7817]

What a brilliant essay. Thank you for sharing this.

[@hippiecheezburger5457]

It’s the way that Llewyn has all these troubles but aspires to do what he loves even with failures and struggles is what is so intimately felt in this picture. It probably took like 6 times of seeing it to feel it and recognize how great this movie truly is

[@Codvids2u]

hey man here from twitter. lot of insight here. great work

[@RenegadeFilm86]

Welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@curiousworld7912]

I've been hearing a lot about 'the hero's journey' lately, and the fallacies inherent in this idea. We may be the 'heroes' of our own journeys, but I tend to side with Camus on this. Life is absurd, and the only way to live it is to recognize this, and keep smiling as you roll that boulder.

[@PaperlessWriter]

Really interesting and worthwhile thoughts on a great film; thank you for this.

[@BigSirZebras]

I left my home country in 2011. I went back in 2013 and went to see this with my brother and his wife. His wife hated it. My brother kinda got it. i was leaving again to a different country a few days later and i have no idea if they saw the similarities between me and Lleweyn. Since 2013 I have spent only a combined 2 months in my home country. i have been working on my MA since 2011 in different countries and at a few different universities. I got cut short twice because of money problems once and covid the next time. In my home country i was three classes away from finishing my MA in 2010 but got screwed when the university cut classes because of a recession and first left the country. The movie is such a parallel of my own life it is weird.

[@thetrison]

This is a great philosophical interpretation of a movie I love that I didn't know I desperately needed.

[@darrenmortimore1771]

This film is most definitley not boring, it definitley does not suck, it's a beautifully somber character study and a celebration of a very unique era for folk music and the cost of an artist's integrity. But it's still a bummer hahah, imo. Love this movie

[@TheCoco7802]

"The why that can sustain any how." very well put

[@65g4]

this is a great film and great video well done. I just ordered the criterion of this film i cant wait to get it

[@troygaspard6732]

It is a portrait of the Folk music scene in NYC in the 60s. While we remember Bob Dylan, there were hundreds of talented other folkies that are unheard.

[@NowShowingTTV]

No matter how hard I tried to explain this to people, they never saw it as anything other than "he's trapped in a cycle of depression". I'd point out the changes to the final scene from the first, importantly Bob Dylan's appearance, but no... they wouldn't listen. Thank you for giving me a well-written video I can send their way to more accurately depict my point.

[@Ekim1976]

Incredible movie, music, acting and true to life.

[@alexxx4434]

Admirable essay!

[@PatriotsVideos]

Seems to me the person who made this is simply into this Camus guy and is simply trying to project their own takes onto this film. Which is fine, it's just not interesting. I know people say this film is about depression and as someone who has lived with major depression all his life this film is not uplifting. Nothing about depression is uplifting. It's fucking depressing. Someone else might be uplifted by the fact I continue to choose to open my eyes every morning instead of my wrists but it doesn't do anything for me. Uplifting? The Coens' films are very cynical and not really uplifting (apart from something like Hudsucker which is almost camp). It's like Dylan said about the popularity of Blood on the Tracks - he couldn't understand people getting enjoyment out of that level of pain.

[@zx3914]

this is my fav film cause like my life it is thx Coens i can tell ppl its my life and my life has a movie

[@rodriguezvictor86]

I think the film is uplifting when/if you're not struggling with poverty. Really.

[@brokenalice218]

It's a beautiful movie, everything is just perfect. Coen's last masterpiece.

[@ailillmclaverty1674]

3 years late to this but i didnt find the film boring at all and i also found it uplifting as well. I didnt see llwellyn as a bad guy, he was just humanand 5he preformance by dave van ronk at the end assured me that llwellyn got through it ok great video

[@claudiogallucci563]

Great review thank you

[@jonchowe]

It's about the split between responsibilities forced on us (the cat) and goals we set for ourselves (the music). The moment he left that cat behind in the car, Fortuna's wheel turned and he was back at the bottom again. Just like when he left the idea of having a partner behind. Giving up on the cat was just part of a cycle of giving up on responsibilities, which are owed to others, in the pursuit of goals.

[@zaighnut]

Ha! First comment. Thanks for reaching out, I do love this movie

[@RenegadeFilm86]

Thank for watching!

[@MommaP0530]

Honestly depends on what type of mood I'm feeling. I've found it so inspiring and also so depressing at times

[@syndicateproductionstarana4925]

Brilliant movie,Oscar Isaaks embodies a stressed out talented musician who keeps making the same mistakes expecting diffrent results.Its not action but every time I watch it I get drawn in.The Big Lebowski and No Country for Old Men are my fav Coen brothers movies,pretty much all their movies are incredible to watch.

[@squidward6187]

It made me cry when he abandoned the cat.

[@tubeyou89119]

I don't feel depressing watching this movie. I felt I was watching a French film that plenty to be understood only after watching multiple times. It has layers and definitely was not trying to please audience for pleasing sake. On the other hand, I didn't watch it more than once as it didn't give me the warm feeling I often seek if I re-watch a film.... Guess I am shallow for this film.

[@Zosima45]

here from IG, now subscribed

[@RenegadeFilm86]

Much, much appreciated!

[@emmad-ul4tn]

One must imagine Llewyn happy

[@pavelb7036]

thanks

[@dwidmark]

Keen insight on a vary good film

[@anurag4813]

I found my favourite video on the internet lmao

[@ruairi_]

wonderful video

[@SillyWillyFan47]

Thumbs up for Camus!

[@pavanatanaya]

This movie was an M.C.Escher tableau

[@jasonluery1111]

It’s the blues. Sad ironic sympathy.

[@sallyreno6296]

I love this movie.Never entered my mind that it was depressing. I knew Van Ronk. He was a HUGE asshole.And a very mean drunk. But the Coens are so funny and Oscar Isaac is such a wonderful actor I could see another angle. I'll call that uplifting.

[@johnmills4535]

Two hours of wasted time I will never recover- Couldn't understand half of the dialogue due to the usual incoherent mumbling etc.

[@yipper1100]

I love how a bit of Jordan Peterson seems to have rubbed off on you; a "why" to justify any "how" type of thing. I'm glad this movie turned out to be deeper than what I originally thought of as a bunch of quirky scenes cobbled together that not only don't advance any plot; but set you right back where you started. Thanks for having at least partially solved the riddle for me and everyone...

[@homerdripson406]

Ew

[@imuwe]

This movie is so funny! But I guess most of the audience don't get it... It's a masterpiece!