Person(s) of the Week IV

The Coen Brothers Bloom-ing and Gritty Career Track

      For the first time with my "Person of the Week" segment, I will shine the illustrious spotlight on a non-actor.  In fact, I will highlight the extraordinary achievements of two talented filmmakers more fittingly known as the "two-headed director," Joel and Ethan Coen.  In recognition of their latest critically acclaimed hit, True Grit -- a derivative story of the western genre that has a non-derivative technically and visually staggering arrangement—the Coen Brothers have continued to provide compelling, artistic, quirky and effectual films that deliver widespread praise and on occasion, reasonably strong box office numbers. 
     The Coen Brothers may not match Spielberg or Lucas with box office receipts, but in terms of masterminding a distinctive and smartly executed mise-en-scène, they are every bit as prodigiously effective.  A Director's primary responsibility is to conceive of a focus and—how apropos, "direction"—for their film and employ every ounce of disciplined tact in seeing through to that focused direction.  Consequently, any skilled director will be assertive and diligent in getting their vision for the movie realized.   The Coen Brothers are exceptional masters at completing this vastly important and often times, challenging task.  I can watch a Coen Brothers film without seeing the credits and quickly ascertain that what I was watching is the ingenious work of the Coen Brothers.  Raising Arizona, Fargo, The Big Lebowski, and No Country for Old Men all exhibit a distinct sensibility and tone that effectively imprints the Coen Brothers signature design.  
      From what I'm reading, True Grit is living up to this high Olympic size standard of achievement.  Though western films tend to be derivative or formulaic in terms of plot development, I am anticipating the Coen Brothers film to be more consistent with their prior works—meaning its non-derivative in approach.  Thus, I will not be remotely surprised if True Grit is a composition of layered plot twists anchored by a contrast of both dark and oddball inspired humor.  Kudos Coen Brothers for your work blooms as auspiciously and audaciously as a perennial flower flourishing in a well-manicured garden.

Coen Brother's Stellar Film Resume:
Raising Arizona
Barton Fink 
Fargo
The Big Lebowski
No Country for Old Men
A Serious Man
And the most recent addition: True Grit


Other Notable Coen Brothers Films:
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Intolerable Cruelty
The Man Who Wasn't There

* In the below video is a nicely put together tribute to the Coen Brothers.