Inside Llewyn Davis
CBS Films | Release Date: December 6, 2013
7.8
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 570 Ratings
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Positive:
459
Mixed:
60
Negative:
51
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6
Benkoko11Feb 23, 2017
The Coen bro's melancholic ode to the American folk age is anchored by its soundtrack and Isaac's memorable performance but often falls into the familiar tropes of the agitated struggling artist.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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4
najohnstonDec 29, 2013
This is a highly disappointing film. The critical acclaim made me rush with excitement to see this new Cohen Brothers offering. But it is just plain dull. Yes, it's production, casting and music are exceptional. But it does not at allThis is a highly disappointing film. The critical acclaim made me rush with excitement to see this new Cohen Brothers offering. But it is just plain dull. Yes, it's production, casting and music are exceptional. But it does not at all entertain the audience. I kept waiting for Llewyn Davis to do something that would make me care, that would move me, but he didn't. And in fact, not many of the other characters did much for me either. A lot of effort went into making a beautiful but boring movie.… Expand
5 of 7 users found this helpful52
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4
ScraperDec 27, 2013
It's guaranteed that the Coens will leave no detail behind in their settings which is why everyone will give their films a chance and why critics will have their reviews written before seeing the movie. Inside Llewyn Davis is no differentIt's guaranteed that the Coens will leave no detail behind in their settings which is why everyone will give their films a chance and why critics will have their reviews written before seeing the movie. Inside Llewyn Davis is no different from the scarves, to the office chairs, the lovely echo in the empty hall as Llewyn goes a cappella, to the silver in the quarters making a ring as they're dropped on the table, everything of the period is cared for. But in this movie you will find no trace of characters developing their relationships with one another. The ambient light on skin, as beautiful as it may be at times, stays stagnant for two hours. All of the characters' minds were made up before your butt hits the theater seat.… Expand
5 of 9 users found this helpful54
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5
LowbrowCinemaDec 22, 2013
Sometimes the Coen Brothers really surprise me but this time they didn't. INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS is beautifully made, produced and especially shot but ultimately what's really the point? A true exercise in futility that always captures yourSometimes the Coen Brothers really surprise me but this time they didn't. INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS is beautifully made, produced and especially shot but ultimately what's really the point? A true exercise in futility that always captures your attention but then fades from memory.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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4
avantgardnerJan 13, 2014
Where was the plot line? Where was the twist? Seems to be a new trend of having interesting characters with no real story being told. Am I missing it?
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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6
netflicDec 30, 2013
I generally like movies made by Coen brothers and always look forward to seeing them.
The last one, though, left me surprisingly un-moved. Not that the quality is not there, no, it is done quite masterfully. But something is missing. TheI generally like movies made by Coen brothers and always look forward to seeing them.
The last one, though, left me surprisingly un-moved. Not that the quality is not there, no, it is done quite masterfully. But something is missing. The script does have a few funny lines but there is nothing new in the story, and frankly, it is quite boring.

I would probably like it more if the folk music appealed to me but it did not.
So, "Inside Llewyn Davis" I did not find much of anything... Except, probably a snap-shot of 60-th and 70-th...… Expand
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
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4
lenny68Dec 9, 2013
I agree with DirkV. I too am a big fan of much of their work, and when they successfully combine their unique visual flair, humour and a good story they are peerless. This just left me cold. Like another overrated film of theirs, OI agree with DirkV. I too am a big fan of much of their work, and when they successfully combine their unique visual flair, humour and a good story they are peerless. This just left me cold. Like another overrated film of theirs, O Brother..., this had virtually no substance whatsoever.… Expand
7 of 19 users found this helpful712
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4
jdicksteihnDec 21, 2013
I'm surprised so many people were able to convince themselves that they enjoyed the movie. You really get little more than you get from watching the trailer. It looks and sounds nice, and seems to be an interesting glimpse into the period,I'm surprised so many people were able to convince themselves that they enjoyed the movie. You really get little more than you get from watching the trailer. It looks and sounds nice, and seems to be an interesting glimpse into the period, but nothing really happens. Felt like an overextended short film. The kind that just gives you a glimpse into someone's life, without really taking the character through the paces normally required for a feature film.… Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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4
csw12Dec 26, 2013
Inside Llewyn Davis is saved from total boredom and disaster by one decent song and a few good laughs. The movie is so slow and at the same time didn't make me care about the pathetic main character who insists on continually screwing his life up.
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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4
SloansterJan 2, 2014
I found this movie to be a waste of money and time. I would not recommend this movie to younger ages at all unless they need a nap. I have really liked Coens especially in their movie "The Big Lebowski" but this was just awful. The onlyI found this movie to be a waste of money and time. I would not recommend this movie to younger ages at all unless they need a nap. I have really liked Coens especially in their movie "The Big Lebowski" but this was just awful. The only reason why I didn't give it a flat 0 is because the ending made me think and I usually enjoy that. Overall, I would see this if you like folk music or you are a Coen brothers fan boy.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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5
DirkVDec 8, 2013
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. i usually LOVE Coen Bros. films. Oh well. The music was great to listen to in this one, and it was filmed beautifully, but there was no story. So I was completely disengaged. When the film ended my viewing companion and i looked at each other and shrugged, and said, that's 2 hours we'll never get back.… Expand
2 of 11 users found this helpful29
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5
JamesLJan 16, 2014
The Coens are living off their past success as this movie has nothing to offer. Frankly, it is boring and the star is a lost cat. The plot is lost along with the audience as the film plods from his one failure to the next. Even the failuresThe Coens are living off their past success as this movie has nothing to offer. Frankly, it is boring and the star is a lost cat. The plot is lost along with the audience as the film plods from his one failure to the next. Even the failures are not connected in any meaningful way. That may be the point of the film. Personally, I think they have gotten to smart for themselves and have forgotten about the paying audience as their main clients. Even John Goodman can't save this bomb.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
FilipanOtinanDec 23, 2013
What can someone say about that film. That Cohen's have the money & the means to create it? That, it is only accepted because of them? BOTH work here boys/girls since no one would ever could create the story behind an insignificant, old &What can someone say about that film. That Cohen's have the money & the means to create it? That, it is only accepted because of them? BOTH work here boys/girls since no one would ever could create the story behind an insignificant, old & dusty random vinyl someone's majesty could notice somewhere under a sofa.. As, none each of us would have ever wonder & exposed ur curiosity to the story behind the cover. Space & Time work in parallel way with the actual space. Just take a look around u, when u watching it… Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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5
bm2759Feb 4, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I cannot understand why many people rate this film very highly. Nothing happens, literally. The end is the same as the beginning albeit with the addition of Bob Dylan playing on stage. Big whoop. I understand the meaning behind this; if you don't change anything about yourself or your situation then you're destined for repetition.

Don’t get me wrong. The music is quite good and captures the essence of that era. Isaac has a beautiful voice to boot. But you’re probably better off buying the soundtrack instead of seeing the movie. Each performance in this film is certainly impressive and I wouldn't be surprised if Justin Timberlake does a folk music album.

Back on the film itself was disappointed by the supporting cast. Everyone is quite suitable in their roles but we're not given enough time to care they appear. Llewyn is the main character and it makes sense he is the focus. However he is unlikeable because he is definitely annoying and unpleasant. I commend Oscar Isaac for nailing that. The two main women in Llewyn life have permanent PMS because they are always annoyed or angry so well done for showcasing realistic women. As for the rest they're onscreen and then they're gone as they don't matter to the story, considering there is little story to tell, they're just passing by. To the audience they may as well not have appeared at all. One exception is John Goodman as the vicious jazz musician. His appearance is a highlight for me, particularly on how he describes how talent-less folk musicians are with their limited, simplistic use of music: "C, G, C".... folk music hasn't changed much in 50 years.

And that leads me to this categorization of this film: comedy-drama. Really? I realize categorization helps people classify something but this is not a comedy drama. First and foremost this is a drama, with a different and interesting setting, with some comedy thrown in to lighten the melancholia throughout. It isn't laugh out loud comedy either, rather it gives us quite a few snickers, giggles and chuckles.

My lasting impression is that hype has helped sell this film and this hype has blinded many to believe this is a terrific film. It isn't. Appreciate the different setting and solid musical performances.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
sofloboJan 2, 2014
Generally the Coen brothers make movies I really like but for the life of me I don't get this one. Spare plot, depressing setting, unsympathetic major character. I love folk music but this was only average. A few laughs here and there andGenerally the Coen brothers make movies I really like but for the life of me I don't get this one. Spare plot, depressing setting, unsympathetic major character. I love folk music but this was only average. A few laughs here and there and Carey Mulligan is outstanding. A miss.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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4
BenWattsJan 6, 2014
Worst Coen Bros. movie of the century. When the movie ends, you realize that nothing has happened Davis is the same jerk at the start as he is at the closing credits. I'd rather have spent two hours with John Goodman's jazzman or the shadowyWorst Coen Bros. movie of the century. When the movie ends, you realize that nothing has happened Davis is the same jerk at the start as he is at the closing credits. I'd rather have spent two hours with John Goodman's jazzman or the shadowy Bob, who appears for a few seconds. On the other hand, I have this urge to rent "The Incredible Journey" and ponder the obscure connections between the two movies. Maybe Llewyn Davis is a cat!… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
HankSinderFeb 4, 2014
I was let down with the repetitiveness of the film as a whole. Like Barton Fink, the Coen brothers have created another dislikable protagonist that somehow captivates the viewer's interest throughout the film, yet doesn't leave themI was let down with the repetitiveness of the film as a whole. Like Barton Fink, the Coen brothers have created another dislikable protagonist that somehow captivates the viewer's interest throughout the film, yet doesn't leave them satisfied. I wish Llewyn's 'dick' personality shared more of the comedic genius that Walter Sobchak possessed (probably impossible to duplicate or compete with). Llewyn came off as a hopeless musician with an unpopular talent that would forever be shadowed by Bob Dylan. If I watch this film again, I'll probably catch more and I'm sure it will grow on me. The cat and Llewyn relationship also added some quirky originality to the masterful filmmakers that are the Coen Brothers.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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6
BKMJan 11, 2014
There's a great deal of grief and loss rumbling inside Llewyn Davis, but as is Joel and Ethan Coen's style, the emotions are muted and only seep out through the singing and playing of Oscar Isaac. The end result is more of a meticulouslyThere's a great deal of grief and loss rumbling inside Llewyn Davis, but as is Joel and Ethan Coen's style, the emotions are muted and only seep out through the singing and playing of Oscar Isaac. The end result is more of a meticulously detailed depiction of a bygone era than a fully engrossing film viewing experience. In typical Coen fashion it is challenging, frustrating and uncompromising but ultimately unsatisfying.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
LynJan 13, 2014
Llewyn is not self-aware enough to be tragic and not witty enough to be comic. Oscar Isaac's soulful performance hints at hope and heartache, but the movie doesn't really allow him to do more than hint. Still, at least for boomers, the folkLlewyn is not self-aware enough to be tragic and not witty enough to be comic. Oscar Isaac's soulful performance hints at hope and heartache, but the movie doesn't really allow him to do more than hint. Still, at least for boomers, the folk music is a fun flashback and the quirky characters are well-played and amusing. Like Llewyn on his ill-fated road trip, you just have to go along for the ride.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
emkadvFeb 7, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I loved the music, and the performances were strong, but I was disappointed in the film overall. I didn't find any of the characters sympathetic. LLewyn (Oscar Isaac) is selfish and doesn't seem to care for other people. His sometime lover, Jean (Carey Mulligan) is a shrew. John Goodman does a fine performance as the jazz musician, Roland, but as a despicable character

I thought the film might show some of Llewyn's humanity when he saw the exit for Akron. He could have taken the exit and met the young son he had recently learned he had. But he bypasses the exit, for no apparent reason. LLewyn just does not connect with other people -- or this viewer.

I really wanted to love this film, but it is not up to the Coen brothers' standards.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
TheKiddyFeb 16, 2014
I could not bear this film from the first moment. Here is someone you don't know or care about singing. The camera stays on him. He keeps singing. You wait. He keeps singing. The cat part by the way seemed false, absolutely false, startingI could not bear this film from the first moment. Here is someone you don't know or care about singing. The camera stays on him. He keeps singing. You wait. He keeps singing. The cat part by the way seemed false, absolutely false, starting from: if this is a building with an elevator attendant, there is a super on premises and a doorman. Get them to let the cat into the apartment. Then end the film. Beautifully shot however.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
ClariseSamuelsApr 7, 2014
This film might be better entitled, “Inside the Clinically Depressed Mind of Llewyn Davis.” If the world of music is often overglamorized, Ethan and Joel Coen have gone to great trouble to completely deglamorize it so that just about everyoneThis film might be better entitled, “Inside the Clinically Depressed Mind of Llewyn Davis.” If the world of music is often overglamorized, Ethan and Joel Coen have gone to great trouble to completely deglamorize it so that just about everyone who participates is a loser. That is, unless you happen to be the one person in the room who wins the lottery, such as the young Bob Dylan, who is briefly depicted at the end of the film as one of the neophyte folksingers who gets a break at the well-known Village nightclub, called the Gaslight Cafe, designed to be a public showcase for new talent back in the 60's. Beat poets like Allen Ginsberg gave readings there, and the Gaslight later metamorphosed into a club for folk music, where many young folk singers got a start.

The swarthy and handsome Oscar Isaac, playing the title role of Llewyn Davis, does a superb job of depicting an angry, frustrated young folk singer who plays the Gaslight but just can't get a break anywhere, even though he briefly captured a recording contract when performing as part of a duo with a partner who later committed suicide. That is where the depression in this movie begins. Going solo, Davis cannot collect royalties on a single recording or attract the attention of a single agent. As a libertine and free-thinker who is self-absorbed and who lives for the moment, he has no spouse, no children, and no place to live. He crashes every night at the homes of friends, including a couple where he seduces his friend's wife (Carey Mulligan) and accidentally gets her pregnant. Because she only wants her husband's child and not Davis's, she requests that Davis pay for her illegal abortion.

The critics had high praise for this film—in terms of making a film depicting someone who constantly makes bad decisions and leads a destructive lifestyle, and who is probably suffering from undiagnosed depression that causes him to explode into foul-mouthed tirades, the Coen brothers have done a good job. But since it is never clarified that this is a profile of mental illness, it becomes an unrelentingly stark and grueling portrayal of a talented young man who is on a hopeless downward spiral. Davis's self-centered and egomaniacal personality is such that he is unable to care about anyone but himself. He can't even be trusted with a cat. Three cats suffer from Davis's sociopathic indifference to the fate of others. There is not a single spark of sunshine in this man's life. His friends are at best friendly rivals. The woman he impregnated despises him. He is alienated from his sister and his nephew; his father is in a nursing home that is, like everything else in this film, dark, gloomy and joyless. Davis has no real desire to communicate with his father, and just as well, because his father is in the late stages of dementia and merely sits and stares blankly into space. The only sign of life is that his father soils himself while Davis is visiting, as if we needed more proof that everything in Davis's life is malfunctioning.

Davis's finances have also broken down catastrophically. He has no money to buy a proper winter coat or a pair of boots. He is always freezing to death and malnourished. But when well-to-do friends take him in and ask him to play a song at dinner, he erupts in rage for being treated like a trained pony, when clearly he doesn't perform for free; he only performs to “make a living.” His day job was that he once worked as a merchant mariner, and when in desperation he tries to go back to sailing, he is, as always, met with insurmountable obstacles.

I would not want to give away the ending, but there is no ending to give away. The ending starts over at the beginning. There is no redemption to be found here; no lesson to be learned. Except for a few songs that lift this film out of its perpetually bleak Weltanschauung, this story is purely the heavy-handed tale of a tragic hero who has no one to blame but himself.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
beingryanjudeSep 2, 2014
Breathtaking musical performances of nearly forgotten folk tunes... a week in the life of a hopeful folk singer might not be what we expected but it still certainly has that Coen Brothers zest.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
KayakMar 4, 2014
It seems a bit too niche to me. It didn't really engage me. As much as I absolutely loved the music, I was felt feeling a little bit confused at the end too. I think I need to watch it again
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
ArchonMagazineSep 20, 2014
Inside Llewyn Davis is a depressing comedy, a glimpse into a struggling folk singer’s life during one week in the 1960’s.

The first half of the movie is slow as Llewyn ping pongs around the Village and New York, causing disruptionInside Llewyn Davis is a depressing comedy, a glimpse into a struggling folk singer’s life during one week in the 1960’s.

The first half of the movie is slow as Llewyn ping pongs around the Village and New York, causing disruption everywhere he goes. Oscar Isaac unflinchingly plays the dislikeable title character a, sincere to a fault because it impedes upon his ability to be successful, freeloading folk singer newly solo due to the suicide of his duo partner Mike. Frustrated, dejected and broke, he leaves on a road trip to Chicago and the story’s components converge to a chaotic culmination one expects from an Ethan and Joel Coen film.

Teeming with talent and thoroughly Coen, the movie is full of quirky characters of a beatnik persuasion. Unfortunately, with the rare exception, most portrayals are forgettable – Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, and Garret Hedlund included. Justin Timberlake is ultimately the least successful of the bunch and his casting is a misstep. His acting is an out of place self-aware parody of a folk singer from the 1960’s. With the exception of Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, whom most know as the love interest of Lena Dunham’s character in Girls, is hilariously sincere and scene stealing in the minor role of Al Cody.

Inside Llewyn Davis contains all the successful ingredients typical of a Coen Brothers motion picture but is lacking the charm that typically enamors viewers. It is artificially bleak, reliant upon post-production, and fundamentally contrived.

More reviews of recent releases can be found at our website.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
pesho_oneNov 24, 2014
Really an average movie with no actual ending. The writers should be ashamed by themselves (I realize that they are probably proud with themselves instead). Yes, it is shot well, and I watched it till the end, while still intrigued. It didn'tReally an average movie with no actual ending. The writers should be ashamed by themselves (I realize that they are probably proud with themselves instead). Yes, it is shot well, and I watched it till the end, while still intrigued. It didn't get too boring during. But it is totally pointless after all. They teach even the children that every story should have a proper ending. Apparently the directors are too big to bother with such. Most of the branches of the story are not finished either. To try explaining it better: imagine somebody is telling a story and you are interested by all the things starting to develop in it. And you expect it all adds up and mix together. But when the story is finished, you realize that all of these "interesting" things didn't actually go anywhere. And the only indication for the finish is that it suddenly stopped. Major BS if you ask me.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
LukehatJul 3, 2017
I like that there wasn't a happy ever after ending. Just a guy getting by. It wasn't that enthralling, and the music isn't for my taste, but I enjoyed seeing the story of a 'failure' as opposed to the 'hero'.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
geewahJan 15, 2021
One of the Coen brothers more sombre efforts and one of their worst.
I found this a hard movie to get any sort of emotional attachment to Isaac's character and for that couldn't really care about his plight.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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