The Man Who Wasn't There is artistically and technically perfect. But, the movie has no heart, and Billy Bob Thornton gives yet another overrated performance for stylized eye contortions with no substance. As students of film history, the Coens imbue the film with all the trappings and elements of film noir.
But two essential ingredients are missing: a plot that stays true to its alleged mystery, and heart. Another problem is that the structure of the movie makes it incumbent for Billy Bob Thornton to be John Garfield, Humphrey Bogart, Fred McMurray, Burt Lancaster, and Edmond O'Brien all rolled up into one, and he doesn't come close to pulling it off.
What kind of man is he? He is THE BARBER!
But two essential ingredients are missing: a plot that stays true to its alleged mystery, and heart. Another problem is that the structure of the movie makes it incumbent for Billy Bob Thornton to be John Garfield, Humphrey Bogart, Fred McMurray, Burt Lancaster, and Edmond O'Brien all rolled up into one, and he doesn't come close to pulling it off.
What kind of man is he? He is THE BARBER!