Oscar Issac as the lead, gives what has been my favorite performance so far this year.
Set in the early 60's, Issac stars as a folk singer, too young to be so beaten down by the business and by life. In typical Coen brothers style, there's so much nuanced stuff going on, and so many layers to Davis, seen and unseen, referenced and unsaid. Also in typical Coen brothers style, there are characters that float in and out, some like John Goodman whom are marvelous, and others not so much.
The story really relies on Issac to carry the burden of the films message and he is just fucking fantastic. Burdened and beaten down but never out, no matter how times he himself, or outside forces try and pull him down. As depressing as it can get, there's always this sort of twinkle in Issacs eyes that gives you faith.
No disrespect to the other great movies I've seen so far this year, but it's nice to see a film this good built from scratch and not based on anything other than the wonderful creative minds of it's writers.
Not the Coen brothers best work, because the universe isn't quite as strong. But damn, does the star shine.
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