Coen Brothers Shrug Off Jean-Luc Godard's Harsh Movie Reviews
Hollywood's acclaimed directing duo responds with characteristic wit to criticism from legendary filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard and other industry heavyweights who aren't fans of their work.
Having built a legendary career in Hollywood, the Coen Brothers have reached a point where criticism barely registers—even when it comes from cinema's most revered figures. With decades of acclaimed films under their belt, the directing duo has learned to handle negative feedback with a mix of humor and perspective that reflects their secure position in the industry.
Their work has earned widespread admiration from countless colleagues and stars. Angelina Jolie once praised their versatility, noting how "One can be so full of humour, and the next can be so frightening, but you always know going into a Coen brothers movie that it'll be something special." This sentiment echoes throughout Hollywood, though like all visionary filmmakers, they certainly don't appeal to everyone.
Not Everyone's a Fan
Author Geoff Dyer represents the other side of the spectrum, particularly when it comes to their comedic efforts. "When I'm in a Coen brothers film, in a cinema, I'm surrounded by all of these people laughing their heads off, and I'm sitting there stone-faced," he admitted. This type of polarized reaction isn't uncommon for directors who push creative boundaries.
The brothers discovered that even legendary French New Wave director Jean-Luc Godard falls into the critic camp, but their reaction was typically lighthearted. "We just found out that Jean-Luc Godard really hates our movies!" Ethan Coen revealed during a conversation with The Times. "Too bad Luis Buñuel didn't live longer. It would be interesting to hear that Buñuel hates our movies too. Or what about Pier Paolo Pasolini?"
Brotherly Dynamics
The exchange also highlighted how differently each brother processes criticism. When Ethan brought up Jim Jarmusch once describing their films as 'Spielbergian,' Joel pointed out his sibling's growing fascination with negative reviews. "It's interesting because, since you heard about the Godard thing, you've been obsessed with all the people who've dissed you," Joel observed.
He also suggested that Jarmusch's comment might not have been as harsh as it seemed: "And Jim probably didn't even mean it! Well, yes, he meant it as a little bit of slap, but he probably regrets it." This back-and-forth reveals how even seasoned filmmakers can get caught up in industry opinions, especially when the feedback comes from respected peers.
The Reality of Creative Criticism
While the brothers generally brush off negative commentary, it's understandable that remarks from figures like Godard or Jarmusch might sting occasionally. Ambiguous comparisons to other directors like Steven Spielberg can be particularly puzzling—it's unclear whether such comments are meant as compliments or suggestions of derivative work.
Ultimately, most harsh critiques of their work stem from personal taste rather than fundamental flaws. The subjective nature of storytelling means that even the most accomplished filmmakers will face detractors, and the Coens have clearly mastered the art of taking it all in stride.