O Brother Where Art Thou Character Analysis

Redemption, in literature and film, is a poignant theme that conveys a sense of morality within character(s). It focuses on how a character can be forgiven for all of their wrongdoings, especially after communicating with God. The film, “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” displays the theme of redemption at various points throughout the movie. In a series of loosely tied vignettes, the film depicts Ulysses Everett McGill, Pete Hogwallop, and Delmar O'Donnell as its heroes as they try to escape the law and venture around the state looking for a treasure. Along the way, they encounter characters similar to those in “The Odyssey” such as sirens, a cyclop and a blind prophet. Directed by the Coen brothers, film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” uses notable

film techniques such as soundtrack, the manipulation of color, and location to illustrate the theme of redemption in a light-hearted, yet profound manner.
Since the movie is set in the hard hitting depression-era of the 1930s, it focuses heavily on music and the ideology of it. The Coen brothers incorporate music in every aspect of the film and consequently, music becomes almost character-like, serving as a richer medium for the narrative. The folksy, blues soundtrack for this movie is especially significant because it represents the time period as well as a euphoric sensation for the audience. The role of music varies throughout the film and it adapts for the particular scene. For example, not only is music a form of escapism for the characters, but it is also used to show a larger connection between people. However, the primary purpose for the inclusion of music is to illuminate the theme of redemption. The first instance of this comes in the “baptism” scene. As Everett, Pete and Delmar observe a religious ceremony in the woods, the song “Down By the River to Pray” is heard. The idea of being “saved” appeals to Delmar and Pete and they, respectively, run into the water to be washed away from all of their sins. The song provides inspiration for Delmar and Pete as the audience watches in awe at their redemption. Another instance of this is when Everett, Pete, Delmar and Tommy familiarize themselves with music. Performing as The Soggy Bottom Boys, the men find pleasure in singing and performing, may it only be for some money at first. Their song, “I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow” manages to become widespread among the country (without them knowing), and by the end, after performing it a second time, they are pardoned of their past sins. Unlike the previous example, this emphasizes a different type of redemption. It’s more a social redemption rather than a spiritual one, but nonetheless, it is redemption.
The film is unique than most, partly because of the coloration.

Instead of containing the usual portrayal of color such that of real life, the Coen brothers modified the coloring of the film to a vibrant gold, sepia-toned color. This effect of manipulating the color is advantageous in that it gives the viewer the feeling of looking through an old photo album. While there is a painting-like aspect to this, it is mostly adjusted to look like the photographs of the 1930s and the Dust Bowl as opposed to how the reality really was. Like anything else, color can provide one with emotions and essentially, one of the most effective sequences throughout the film, is the transition of color at various points. The transition of color also draws attention to the main theme of the film. For example, at the end, as the girls are being led by a rope and Penny and Everett are walking down a street, there is almost a different coloring in that scene than in other parts of the film. In that scene, Penny, holding a baby, is arguing with Everett about the wedding ring as the girls follow behind them. After the girls cross the railroad track and the man operating a one man rail car proceeds off into the distance, the color fades from a sepia tone to a black and white with a significant amount of green. The trees emerge in a luxuriant way from the background and the screen fades to black. Deepening the theme of redemption, the scene also symbolizes Everett’s redemption into his old life with his wife, Penny, and their

children.
To recreate the effect of the depression of the 1930s, the filmmakers had to shoot the movie in the south. Therefore, the location of the scenes in the majority of the film connects to the enrichment of the theme. Although, the movie is set in The Great Depression era with extreme poverty and racism in the south, these aspects are played very light-heartedly. In many ways, the Coen brothers aren’t displaying the reality of the south, but a collective imagination of it. The location plays an extremely important role in the movie because the movie is suppose to be looking at the history of the nation in a simple and modest style with an old timey aesthetic. Having a specific location in this movie provides viewers with a lense of how to interpret the characters as well as the entirety of the film. A location that serves to highlight the theme of redemption is Everett’s cabin which is shown at the apex of the film when Everett, Delmar and Pete are moments before encountering death. As he realizes the fragility of his situation, Everett succumbs and prays to God for mercy. Soon enough, God “answers”and floods the entire region with water. Water is the universal symbol for redemption and as Everett, Delmar, and Pete wash away, they are once again redeemed and cleansed of any sins.
The theme of redemption is a frequent message in many of the Coen brothers’ films, but it is especially prevalent in “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”. The characters of Everett, Pete and Delmar are constantly redeemed throughout the whole movie. In order to do this, the Coen brothers used a variety of film techniques such as soundtrack, color and location.