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The Man Who Wasn't There
2001 116 min United Kingdom, United States of America R 16+
★7.9
Crime, Drama
Director: Joel Coen
Trailers
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EN
Description
A tale of murder, crime and punishment set in the summer of 1949. Ed Crane, a barber in a small California town, is dissatisfied with his life, but his wife Doris' infidelity and a mysterious opportunity presents him with a chance to change it.
Budget:
$20M
US Gross:
$7.5M
Worldwide:
$18.92M
Starring
Billy Bob Thornton
Actor
Frances McDormand
Actor
Michael Badalucco
Actor
Awards
Cannes Film Festival 2001
— Best Director
BAFTA 2002
— Best Cinematography
Academy Awards 2002
— Best Cinematography
Cannes Film Festival 2001
— Best Director
Golden Globe 2002
— Best Actor (Drama)
Golden Globe 2002
— Best Screenplay
Cannes Film Festival 2001
— Palme d'Or
BAFTA 2002
— Best Cinematography
César Awards 2002
— Best International Feature Film
Saturn Awards 2002
— Best Action, Adventure or Thriller
Saturn Awards 2002
— Best Supporting Actress
Key opinion
The Man Who Wasn't There is a stylistically masterful noir that uses a detached, existential tone to explore themes of identity and moral ambiguity. While praised for its visual craftsmanship and lead performance, the film's deliberate, slow-paced narrative polarizes viewers who prefer traditional, fast-moving plots.
| Acting | Billy Bob Thornton provides a minimalist, evocative performance that perfectly captures the protagonist's profound inner emptiness and melancholy. | |
| Cinematography | The cinematography employs masterful black-and-white lighting and static framing to faithfully and effectively recreate classic noir aesthetics. | |
| Screenplay | The script is razor-sharp, expertly weaving together noir tropes, witty dialogue, and philosophical layers regarding human existence. | |
| Pacing | The film's contemplative and slow-burning pacing rewards those who appreciate atmospheric, character-driven storytelling, but leaves others feeling bored or disengaged. |