YFH Flicks: Inside Llewyn Davis

Photo via Nylon

“Everything you touch turns to shit.”

Probably not what you want to hear from an angry Carey Mulligan who is potentially carrying your child. But for aspiring musician and serial fuck-up Llewyn Davis, it’s really not that untrue. He’s trying to make it in the folk music scene of the 1960s with his acoustic guitar and his lush beard and his Jew fro, except he hates folk music. And what do you do if you hate folk music? Heckle a 40 year old harpsichord player in horn rimmed glasses! That’s really not a key point in the film but good god it’s a great scene.

‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ is brought to you by the Coen Brothers, who also brought you flicks such as ‘Fargo’ and ‘No Country for Old Men’, so you know they’ve got this incredible ability to put their own unique spin on whatever they do. They made this flick like crack. You don’t really know what’s going on and you don’t know why, but you want more. It has these amazingly profound scenes created by this dreamy, take-me-to-the-hillside soundtrack and camera shots that, even if you know nothing about film, make you go “Woah, this is awesome, why do I feel sea sick…”

Then there’s Oscar Isaac as Llewyn, who has absolutely nailed dry, dark, grimy humour. He says and does the most morbid, annoying things and all you can do is raise one eyebrow and think did that just happen? Am I actually laughing at him losing his mind? Why is this hilarious god damn it I need answers! He’s an absolute train wreck. He sleeps on people’s couches, bumped uglies with his best friend’s wife, loses a cat’s scrotum, practically has a loyalty card at the abortion clinic and refuses to believe his music is not profitable. But that same point is why you want him to succeed. His music is amazing. Acoustic, soul-filled performances run throughout the film and in no way are they tedious. Without fail, every time Llewyn sang I got chills and that may be one of the best feelings in the world, along with when your food is the perfect temperature. And putting vinegar on a mosquito bite.

The aforementioned Carey Mulligan has finally, and I mean finally, found a role that suits her, as a surly, regretful woman who calls Llewyn an asshole heaps and not a blithering idiot who can’t use her words blushing at Ryan Gosling. I can comfortably say this is the first time I’ve liked her in a film. Justin Timberlake makes a few appearances as well and I’ve got to say: firstly, my respect for him as an actor continues to grow and secondly, he looks adorable in knitted sweaters.

The overall structure is such a head-fuck I’m not even sure if I’ve spoiled anything. It really is such a beautiful film it’s hard to be a sarcastic bitch about it. But if one thing’s for sure, Llewyn Davis is an unlucky guy. Shit sucks bro.

As a sidenote, Llewyn’s character reminds me of Nick from New Girl. I don’t know if you’ll love me or hate me for bringing that to your attention but the similarities, physically and behaviourally, are ridiculous and I just want to talk it out with someone *deep breath*.

 Written by Sally Coates