inside llewyn davis and the mobius strip narrative

inside_llewyn_davis_posterTeaching a film as lit class this term and spending some time this week closely studying Joel and Ethan Coen’s pre-Bob Dylan period film Inside Llewyn Davis. I am particularly interested in the themes of crisis and purposeleness. I also like the feel that the narrative is a mobius strip trapping the main character.

I am seeing many similarities with The Big Lebowski–another Coen brothers film I admire–in the themes of authenticity and honesty–also the theme of abiding or enduring. I also like the idea of the character who is not exactly aware of the depth of the crisis though I do feel Llewyn Davis comes to an understanding and awareness of sorts. I also love the motif in the incredible journey of the lost cat.

Published by john paul jaramillo

John Paul Jaramillo holds an MFA in creative writing from Oregon State University and he is the author of the novels Carlos Montoya and Little Mocos, and the story collection The House of Order — a 2013 Latino Book Award Finalist for Best First Book. In 2013 Latino Boom: An Anthology of U.S. Latino Literature listed Jaramillo as one of its Top 10 New Latino Authors to Watch and Read. Currently, Jaramillo works as Professor of English at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois.

Leave a Reply

Discover more from John Paul Jaramillo

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading