Inside Llewyn Davis is a 2013 period black comedy-drama film written, directed, produced, and edited by Joel and Ethan Coen. Set in New York City’s Greenwich Village in 1961, the film follows Llewyn Davis, a struggling folk singer trying to make a name for himself while dealing with financial hardship, personal setbacks, and the loss of his former musical partner. Justin Timberlake co-stars as Jim Berkey, a fellow folk musician and friend of Llewyn’s who performs with him on a novelty recording. The film also stars Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, Garrett Hedlund, F. Murray Abraham, and Adam Driver. Partly inspired by folk singer Dave Van Ronk’s autobiography, the film features live-recorded performances of many of its folk songs.
SYNOPSIS
In 1961, struggling folk singer Llewyn Davis is trying to build a career in New York City’s Greenwich Village while barely getting by and relying on friends for places to sleep. Still coping with the suicide of his former musical partner, Llewyn learns that his friend Jim Berkey’s wife, Jean, is pregnant and believes Llewyn may be the father. Desperate for money to help pay for an abortion, Llewyn agrees to record a novelty song with Jim and another musician, accepting immediate payment instead of future royalties. As Llewyn’s attempts to establish himself as a solo artist continue to falter, he travels to Chicago in search of a career opportunity and returns to New York facing many of the same obstacles. His struggles with money, relationships, and the possibility of returning to the Merchant Marine leave him increasingly uncertain about his future as a musician, while a missing cat and a series of personal and professional setbacks mirror his own seemingly aimless journey.
DIRECTORS: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
PRODUCERS: Scott Rudin, Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
WRITERS: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
ROLE: Justin Timberlake as Jim Berkey
STARS: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, Garrett Hedlund, F. Murray Abraham
GENRES: Drama, Music
RELEASED: December 6, 2013 (United States)
RUNTIME: 1 hour 44 minutes
LINKS: IMDb | Wikipedia