Reel Critics

Vincent Novack

In their latest effort, “The Man Who Wasn’t There,” Joel and Ethan

Coen have crafted a reverential homage to film noir. Inspired by the

writing of James M. Cain, who wrote such noir classics as “Double

Indemnity,” “Mildred Pierce” and “The Postman Always Rings Twice,” the

Coen Brothers’ plot is rife with murder, adultery, betrayal and double

crosses.

“The Man Who Wasn’t There” stars Billy Bob Thornton as Ed Crane. Crane

is second chair in his compulsively talkative brother-in-law’s

barbershop, although he says, “I never considered myself a barber.” Such

detachment is as constant in Ed’s life as the haze of smoke from his ever

present cigarette.

Ed is in a loveless marriage to Doris (Frances McDormand), a

bookkeeper for Nirdlinger’s department store. Her boss is the loud and

crude Big Dave (James Gandolfini), the son-in-law of the store’s founder.

Ed suspects Doris’ relationship with Big Dave is more than business, but

as with everything else in his life, he doesn’t really care.

Set in Santa Rosa, California shortly after World War II, the entire

film is shot in glowing period appropriate black and white by

cinematographer Roger Deakins. The resulting burnished effect purposely

renders the scenery around this small California town sun-bleached and

featureless. The vintage clothing, hairstyles, cars and locations give

the picture just the right look.

Thornton turns in a superbly understated yet riveting performance.

Perhaps as important as his acting is his narration of the story. His

even-toned and deadpan inflection provides as much insight into the

character of Ed Crane as do any of the visuals. Virtually every role is

well cast and well acted. Particularly entertaining is Tony Shalhoub as

an arrogant defense attorney.

While dealing with every form of movie mayhem imaginable, “The Man Who

Wasn’t There” has some genuinely funny moments. The story unfolds at a

somewhat leisurely pace, which is probably necessary given the richness

of the plot. The story never lags and is engrossing throughout.

This year the largest grossing pictures will be three films marketed

to children (“Harry Potter,” “Shreck” and “Monsters, Inc.”). Relatively

few people will see “The Man Who Wasn’t There.” I just hope some of

those viewers are voting members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts

and Sciences.

* VINCENT A. (VAN) NOVACK, 48, is the director of institutional

research at Cal State Long Beach.