Intolerable Cruelty: A Cohen Brothers Rom-Com Re-evaluation

The Enduring Appeal and Criticisms of Intolerable Cruelty

• 💡 The film is discussed as a Cohen Brothers' foray into rom-coms, featuring George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones, yet it failed to connect with contemporary audiences upon its 2004 release.
• 🎯 A key point of discussion is whether the film was "too mean," "too talky," or lacked period trappings, contributing to its lukewarm reception.
• 🔑 The Coen Brothers' signature style is noted as being present, particularly in dialogue and comedic set pieces, but its application in a mainstream rom-com context proved challenging for audiences.

George Clooney's Performance and Career Trajectory

• 🚀 George Clooney's performance is highlighted, with particular attention to his distinctive "teeth" and how they are used as a visual hook.
• 📈 The discussion traces Clooney's career post-Oceans 11, noting his impressive run of critically acclaimed films and his transition into directing.
• 🎭 His performance in "Intolerable Cruelty" is compared to his work in "Fantastic Mr. Fox," noting a similar stylized, slightly detached persona.

Catherine Zeta-Jones's Post-Oscar Career Dip

• 🌟 Catherine Zeta-Jones's career post-Oscar win for "Chicago" is examined, focusing on her immediate follow-up films: "Intolerable Cruelty," "Ocean's Twelve," and "The Terminal."
• 📉 A significant drop-off in her career is observed after this period, with a discussion on potential reasons including personal choices and the perception of her performances.
• 🎬 Her subsequent TV work and upcoming projects are mentioned, alongside speculation about a potential career resurgence.

The Film's Development and Cohen Brothers' Involvement

• 🧩 "Intolerable Cruelty" had a long and complex development history, with various directors and writers attached before the Coen Brothers took over.
• ✍️ The Coen Brothers' script polish is seen as crucial, but the film's journey through different creative hands highlights the difficulty in capturing a singular vision.
• 🎬 The Coens' original script for "To the White Sea" falling apart is noted as a catalyst for their focus on "Intolerable Cruelty."

Thematic Elements and Audience Reception

• 💔 The film's exploration of cynicism within marriage and the legal industry is discussed, with a debate on whether its arch tone and unlikeable characters alienated viewers.
• 🎭 The Coen Brothers' unique approach to sex and intimacy in their films is noted, often cutting away or making it comedic rather than explicit.
• 🧐 The film's structure, with its extended first act and plot twists, is analyzed as potentially contributing to audience confusion and a need for rewatches.

Box Office Performance and Critical Re-evaluation

• 📉 "Intolerable Cruelty" underperformed at the box office, opening against strong competition like "Kill Bill: Volume 1" and "School of Rock."
• 🤔 The film's initial reception was largely negative, with many Cohen Brothers fans finding it uncharacteristic and disappointing.
• ✨ Despite its initial failure, there's a discussion about a potential re-evaluation, with some finding its unique blend of screwball comedy and cynicism to be a strength.

Memorable Scenes and Supporting Performances

• 🎬 The courtroom scenes are highlighted for their humor and the Coen Brothers' ability to make legal proceedings entertaining.
• 🎭 Richard Jenkins's brief but impactful performance as Rex Rexroth is singled out for its brilliance and memorability.
• 🐶 The film's use of animal-related humor, like the "nailing an ass" gag and the dog in the prenup scene, is noted as a signature Cohen Brothers touch.