A Serious Man (2009)

Synopsis of A Serious Man

Filmmaking duo Joel and Ethan Coen write, produce, and direct this period black comedy set in 1967 concerning a Midwestern physics professor whose staid and stable life slowly begins to unravel after his wife announces that she's leaving him. As if the failure of his longtime marriage wasn't enough for Larry Gopnik (Tony-nominated Michael Stuhlbarg) to contend with, now his socially inept brother refuses to move out of the house as well. Larry is a modest man of science. Up to this point, his life has been uneventful at best, but things are about to get interesting. When his wife, Judith, announces that she is leaving him to move in with his smug colleague Sy Ableman, Larry does his best to contend with his failed marriage while barely tolerating his unemployable brother, Arthur, who appears to have grown roots on Larry's couch. Meanwhile, Larry's son, Danny, is getting into trouble at Hebrew school, and his daughter, Sarah, is stealthily snatching money from his wallet so she can afford a nose job. As Judith and Sy merrily begin making plans for their new life of domestic bliss together, Larry begins receiving a series of anonymous letters from someone who seems intent on sabotaging his chance for tenure at the university. To further complicate matters, a graduate student with failing grades is attempting to bribe the professor while simultaneously threatening him with a defamation lawsuit. Larry is in some serious need of equilibrium, though it's hard to focus on getting your life in order when your beautiful neighbor insists on sunbathing in the nude just outside your window. Perhaps by seeking the advice of three trusted rabbis, Larry can finally learn to cope with his afflictions and become a genuine mensch. A Serious Man is the second in a two-picture deal that the siblings made with Focus Features and Working Title. The first film in the deal, entitled Burn After Reading and starring Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Frances McDormand, was released nationwide in September 2008. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

106 mins

Director(s):

Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Writer(s):

Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

Producer(s):

Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Sexual Situations, Profanity, Nudity, Mild Violence)

Categories:

Comedy

• 2009 - Boston Society of Film Critics - Best Screenplay
• 2009 - Boston Society of Film Critics - Best Screenplay
• 2009 - Independent Spirit Awards - Robert Altman Award
• 2009 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Cinematography
• 2009 - National Board of Review - Best Original Screenplay
• 2009 - National Board of Review - Best Original Screenplay
• 2009 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Screenplay
• 2009 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Screenplay

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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