Coen Brothers Unfazed by Harsh Words from Cinema Legends
The Coen brothers shrug off criticism from icons like Jean-Luc Godard, handling negative feedback with humor and a sense of perspective about their place in film history.
When you’ve shaped the landscape of modern cinema like the Coen brothers, it ’s tough to imagine any critique truly rattling you—even if it comes from some of the most respected names in the business. With a career marked by both critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase, the brothers have grown accustomed to letting negative opinions roll off their backs, especially when the applause often drowns out the naysayers.
Plenty of industry insiders have praised their unique approach, from the meticulous way they craft each scene to the unpredictable tone shifts that keep audiences guessing. Angelina Jolie once summed it up perfectly:
“One can be so full of humor, and the next can be so frightening, but you always know going into a Coen brothers movie that it’ll be something special.”
That sentiment is echoed by many, but as with any creative force, not everyone is on board with their style.
Not Everyone’s a Fan
Some critics, like author Geoff Dyer, find the brothers’ brand of humor especially off-putting. Dyer once admitted,
“When I’m in a Coen brothers film, in a cinema, I’m surrounded by all of these people laughing their heads off, and I’m sitting there stone-faced.”
He’s not alone—there’s a growing list of those who just don’t connect with their work. But when the brothers learned that Jean-Luc Godard, a towering figure in world cinema, was among their detractors, they didn’t seem to lose any sleep over it.
During an interview, Ethan Coen joked,
“We just found out that Jean-Luc Godard really hates our movies! Too bad Luis Buñuel didn’t live longer. It would be interesting to hear that Buñuel hates our movies too. Or what about Pier Paolo Pasolini?”
The brothers’ ability to laugh off even the harshest criticism speaks volumes about their confidence and perspective.
Taking Criticism in Stride
Joel Coen recalled a time when Jim Jarmusch reportedly called their films ‘Spielbergian,’ a label that could be taken as either a compliment or a subtle dig. Joel teased his brother, saying,
“It’s interesting because, since you heard about the Godard thing, you’ve been obsessed with all the people who’ve dissed you. And Jim probably didn’t even mean it! Well, yes, he meant it as a little bit of slap, but he probably regrets it.”
Even as they brush off most negative feedback, it’s clear that some comments from big names still get under their skin—at least a little.
Still, for filmmakers at their level, it’s only natural to attract both passionate fans and outspoken critics. Even the most biting reviews often come down to personal taste and subjective ideas about storytelling. For the Coen brothers, the best response seems to be a mix of humor, humility, and a willingness to keep moving forward, no matter who’s watching.