Might just be the most over-looked entry in the Coen Brothers canon. Billy Bob kicks way back in his role here letting the nuances of his character shine through a hard exterior and it works big time. Also one of those perfect times black n white was called for and makes the picture, using my Pinewoods Rating System, I give this long time favorite Four Tall Pinewoods Lit Up At Night, highly recommend!
The Man Who Wasn't There Movie Review (2001) | Roger Ebert
The Coen Brothers' ''The Man Who Wasn't There'' is shot in black-and-white so elegantly, it reminds us of a 1940s station wagon -- chrome, wood, leather and steel all burnished to a contented glow. Its star performance by Billy Bob Thornton is a study in sad-eyed, mournful chain-smoking, the portrait of a man so trapped by life he wants to scream.
Deep Focus Review - The Definitives - The Man Who Wasn't There (2001)
The noir yarn begins as Ed needs $10,000 to buy into Tolliver's business as a silent partner, and without hesitation he resolves to blackmail Big Dave. His anonymous note to Big Dave reads, "I know about you and Doris Crane. Cooperate or Ed Crane will know. Your wife will know.
Tony Shalhoub in one of his best roles as the flashy and fancy lawyer....The Horror!!
THE HORROR!!
