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A Serious Man
2009 106 min United States of America, United Kingdom, France R 16+
★7.7
Comedy, Drama
Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Trailers
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Description
It is 1967, and Larry Gopnik, a physics professor at a quiet Midwestern university, has just been informed by his wife Judith that she is leaving him. She has fallen in love with one of his more pompous acquaintances Sy Ableman.
Budget:
$7M
US Gross:
$9.23M
Worldwide:
$31.4M
Starring
Michael Stuhlbarg
Actor
Richard Kind
Actor
Sari Lennick
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 2010
— Best Picture
Golden Globe 2010
— Best Actor (Comedy or Musical)
Academy Awards 2010
— Best Screenplay
BAFTA 2010
— Best Original Screenplay
Key opinion
A Serious Man is a dense, philosophical tragicomedy that functions as an intellectual puzzle about the uncertainty of existence and the silence of God. While critics and many viewers celebrate its masterfully crafted ambiguity and thematic depth, it remains a polarizing experience for those who find its slow pace and lack of definitive resolution frustrating.
| Cinematography | The film features meticulously crafted, atmospheric cinematography by Roger Deakins that perfectly complements the directors' precise vision. | |
| Acting | Michael Stuhlbarg provides a compelling, nuanced performance that effectively anchors the protagonist’s increasingly chaotic life. | |
| Screenplay | The script is densely layered with allegories, philosophical inquiries, and sharp, dark humor that demand multiple viewings to fully decode. | |
| Pacing | The film's pacing is deliberately contemplative and slow, which appeals to viewers seeking intellectual stimulation but exhausts those expecting a traditional comedic narrative. | |
| Accessibility | The narrative's heavy reliance on internal Jewish cultural codes and obscure metaphorical subtext creates a barrier to entry for some audiences, limiting its broader accessibility. | |
| Ending | The ambiguous, abrupt ending serves as a profound meditation on the meaninglessness of life for some, while others view it as a frustrating failure to provide a satisfying conclusion. |