The Man Who Wasn't There is a 2001 film written and directed by the Coen Brothers, Joel and Ethan Coen. The film's plot is a noir set in the 1940s and follows the story of a seemingly quiet barber who becomes embroiled in a series of intricate criminal events. 

Plot

The story centers on Ed Crane (played by Billy Bob Thornton), a quiet and reserved barber who works in a small town. Ed is married to Doris (played by Frances McDormand), but their marriage is cold and devoid of emotion.

Ed's life takes a turn when he decides to blackmail his client, Big Dave (played by James Gandolfini), who has revealed a dark secret to Ed. The blackmail leads to a series of events involving a private investigator, an ambitious lawyer, and other complex characters.

The film explores themes of guilt, fate, and the consequences of human actions in a dark and surreal world. The narrative is enriched by the black-and-white cinematography that captures the atmosphere of the 1940s.

Directors: Joel and Ethan Coen

Writers: Joel and Ethan Coen

Producers: Joel and Ethan Coen, Robert Graf

Music: Carter Burwell

Main Cast:

Billy Bob Thornton as Ed Crane

Frances McDormand as Doris Crane

James Gandolfini as Big Dave Brewster

Tony Shalhoub as Freddy Riedenschneider

Scarlett Johansson as Rachel "Birdy" Abundas

Major Awards:

The film received positive reviews from critics but did not win major Oscars or Golden Globe awards.

Box Office Gross: The film grossed approximately $18 million worldwide.

Critical Reception: The Man Who Wasn't There received positive reviews from critics. Its black-and-white aesthetic was widely praised, as was Billy Bob Thornton's performance in the lead role of Ed Crane. The film was appreciated for its melancholic tone and neo-noir style, typical of the Coen Brothers' films. However, some critics found the plot to be slow or less engaging. Overall, the film was considered an intriguing meditation on guilt and redemption.

Trailer