Honorable Mentions: Raising Arizona, A Serious Man, O Brother Where Art Thou
5. True Grit (2010)
Marked by another great cast, magnificent cinemaphotography, and brilliant dialogue; True Grit scores big time. The Coen's do not produce a typical Hollywood story telling experience in True Grit. Other than the dialogue, the film is rather simple. The Coen's create great films through the way they depict stories and put it to film.
4. Miller's Crossing (1990)
An early film from the Coen's that showcased very raw directing. The characters within Miller's Crossing were very well developed and Turturro's performance was brilliant. The film executes its mission as a great gangster film, while still portraying the same type of dark humour synonymous with Coen movies. A must watch for any true Coen fan.
3. The Big Lebowski (1998)
"The Dude abides." The Big Lebowski is the funniest and most quotable Coen movie. The casting is absolutely ideal with big comedic performances from Buscemi, Bridges, and Goodman. One can tell that the brothers had a lot of fun masterminding this film. Dialogue is at its best and viewers will find themselves finding a new funny line every time they watch. I am a proud member of The Big Lebowski cult following and I must say, the love this movie has received from many is completely warranted. Yeah, well, that's just like your opinion man
2. No Country For Old Men (2007)
No Country For Old Men is one of the most widely appreciated Coen movies, having earned 8 nominations and 4 Golden Globe awards. It will take ten years for this film to receive the type of appreciation and respect it deserves from mindless critics, because that is any film's respect maturation date. Critics are often under the influence that older is always better. Although the film showcases no music and is predominately shot in an austere desert setting, it still possesses a beautiful cinematic style. Bardem's performance is a chilling one that found him a best performance Golden Globe award. Similar to older works like Fargo, No Country portrays astounding dialogue that creates for another humorous and witty, yet dark film.
1. Fargo (1996)
Fargo is a true American classic that provides the best depiction of the Coen's "story-telling" abilities. The film shows a very mature and extreme case of greed while possessing humorous qualities. The Coens also give an accurate account of the Northwest small town style of life; something unique and unknown to most movie-goers. Frances Mcdormand plays the role of a police officer, and epitomizes the classic literary and cinematic hero. Of all the brilliant Coen movies, the duo executed their purpose and goal most effectively throughout this movie.
