music in "o brother where art thou?"
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One of the things that stood out most to me in O Brother Where Art Thou?, especially in comparison to No Country For Old Men, was the music, and the important role it played in the story. Several times music was important to the plot- for example, when Everett & co "sing into the can" at the radio station, the appealing sound of the Christian baptismal songs, and when the sirens' song seduces the men out of their car. Singing and music pop up everywhere, and in the end, the Soggy Bottom Boys are what saves the central characters- the town is united by music. It's also interesting that the "bad" character, who challenges the incumbent in a local election, is described as "not a fan of music." Background soundtrack music also seems to be relevant to the story. Is there something more the music is trying to show? Does it represent themes to the movie? What does everyone think?
Aside from its possible religious meanings...
Aside from its possible religious meanings, I think that the music in the movie could represent desire. They go to sing at the radio station because they want to get paid, they hear the christian baptismal songs and they want to be washed of their sins, they hear the siren's song and lust for the women, and finally they sing once again as the Soggy Bottom Boys when Everett wants to win his wife back. Just a thought- there always happens to be a song whenever the three main characters desire something.
Was his desire to win his
Was his desire to win his wife back really the motive for singing as the Soggy Bottom Boys? He was talking to her, and then he pulled away from his attempt to convince her of himself because they started to sing. He was so surprised at the crowd. I don't think singing was really big on his mind at that moment when trying to get his wife back. He didn't know that singing like he did would cause that much of a stir.
Maybe it's just as simple as
Maybe it's just as simple as Everett really liking to sing? I agree that he had no idea that his singing would make the crowd so excited- the men didn't realize the stir their $10 song had made across the country. But I think he enjoyed it enough that he wanted to share it. Also, remember he was trying to fit in at the event-they had just interrupted a KKK meeting, and he was trying to put on a realistic disguise.
This was a good
This was a good observation...i had not realized this until i read your post. i think the music, like you said, did sound like Christian baptismal songs and that goes along with the religious aspect of the movie. i believe that the music being somewhat religious has to deal with the connection to The Odyssey. In the epic, religion was a huge aspect of the story.
Music, and specifically its
Music, and specifically its influence over the characters in this film, is the topic of the movie I'm working on right now, so I definitely agree that it plays a critical role in the film. My argument in the movie, as you'll see when I can finally get it to go up here, is that music has a certain power over people, yet that power is not simply one-dimensional. In some cases, like the scene with the sirens, it can become this mesmerizing tune, while in others, such as the concert near the end, its simply a joyous melody that brings people together. At least thats what I have so far. I'm glad someone brought this up because I can't seem to think of a way to tie up my video, but these responses are giving me some ideas on where to move with it.
Music was a good contrast to a central theme
Something I felt was very ironic was the fact that they had all of these Christian songs throughout the movie, but in the end, the Coen brothers made thismovie a religious satire. They constantly poke fun at different aspects of religion throughout the movie, and I feel like they use McGill as their voice towards religion by making him the central and smartest character.