Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: A Serious Man (2009)

DPMovieReviewASeriousMan What is it about?

A professor searches for answers to his problems as his life unravels through various, sudden incidents. 

Who is in it?

Michael Stuhlbarg – Professor Larry Gopnik

Richard Kind – Uncle Arthur

Fred Melamed – Sy Ableman



Favorite Scene:


Clive Park, an Asian student of Professor Gopnik, comes into his office and attempts to bribe Gopnik for a passing grade with a huge sum of money. While Gopnik attempts to tell Clive that he cannot receive the cash, Clive pretends to have no clue on what he is talking about.

Favorite Quote:

Clive's Father: Culture clash. Culture clash.
Larry Gopnik: With all respect, Mr. Park, I don't think it's that.
Clive's Father: Yes.
Larry Gopnik: No. It would be a culture clash if it were the custom in your land to bribe people for grades.
Clive's Father: Yes.
Larry Gopnik: So... you're saying it is the custom?
Clive's Father: No, this is a defamation. Grounds for lawsuit.
Larry Gopnik: Let me get this straight: you're threatening to sue me for defaming your son?
Clive's Father: Yes.
Larry Gopnik: But it would...
Mr. Brandt: Is this man bothering you?
Larry Gopnik: Is he bothering me? No. I, uh...
[Larry stares awkwardly at Brandt until he leaves]
Larry Gopnik: See... if it were defamation there would have to be someone I was defaming him to, or I... all right, I... let's keep it simple. I could pretend the money never appeared. That's not defaming anyone.
Clive's Father: Yes. And a passing grade.
Larry Gopnik: Passing grade.
Clive's Father: Yes.
Larry Gopnik: Or... you'll sue me.
Clive's Father: For taking money.
Larry Gopnik: So he *did* leave the money.
Clive's Father: This is defamation!
Larry Gopnik: It doesn't make sense. Either he left the money or he didn't.
Clive's Father: Please. Accept the mystery.
Larry Gopnik: You can't have it both ways!
Clive's Father: Why not?

Review:

A Serious Man is a very interesting and peculiar film. It is a film that is not for everyone, as it has a very dry type of humor that may be entertaining for a select few. However, if you are part of that select few, A Serious Man is very funny. From the crazy, wacked out characters, including the humorous junior rabbi who is obsessed with a parking lot, to many quip scenes, the film has various aspects that keeps Larry Gobnik’s troubles light.

Despite the humor, the film does indeed send an interesting message. With an interesting, and somewhat abrupt, ending (one that we won’t give away), A Serious Man reminds the viewer that no matter how many problems you have, the second you get over them, more arise. Also, it reminds us that sometimes, the problems we think we have, pale in comparison in what could be.

Nonetheless, A Serious Man is a film that is an interesting view for those with a certain type of humor. If you enjoy dry humor, it is a definite recommendation.

Grade: 3/5
Labels:

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?
Read more

Knicks Trauma - Ugh Not Again

Well, that was a kick in the stomach.  Coming off a week where the word "catharsis" was used as the description for the euphoria and release of joy from two and a half decades of suffering, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers brought about another word - trauma.  Watching the Knicks collapse was the kind of moments that come with these deep runs and moments. NBA Playoff basketball will do that. Yet, this loss - this one - feels about as bad as the 2004 ALCS when the Yankees collapsed in the series to the Boston Red Sox.  That one carries some serious trauma. Luckily, the series isn't over.  Some other quick thoughts from this awful, awful night, New York Knicks Basketball.  - Not to conjure up hyperbole, or even contribute to "hot take" sports reaction culture - but this might have been the worst loss in Knicks franchise history. I cannot think of another in my lifetime, or historically.  - Tyrese Haliburton's "choke"...
Read more

Knicks Back in ECF Causing Catharsis

I've certainly shared my emotions and thoughts regarding the New York Knicks on this site over the years. There have been plenty of those to sort through - most of them are rants. Tonight, the New York Knicks ultimately destroyed the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, 119-81. I sat on my couch, afraid to allow myself to feel joy until that final buzzer. As a Knicks fan, I've been through too much to allow myself to do anything else, to make any assumption, until it was final. Until it was confirmed. Until something couldn't fall through...the way we're used to.  Once it was final, it was unreal.  The New York Knicks are in the Eastern Conference Finals. For the first time since 2000.  I was 15 years old the last time that happened. And that was a run with a squad that I consider (still) to be my favorite Knicks team of all-time.  I sat on my couch with all sorts of feelings. My wife was likely trying to understand the moment. My son, exci...
Read more