The Coen Brothers and the Comedy of Democracy

This is both a thoughtful book and a light-hearted one. . . In addition to sharing in the enjoyment of a number of movies, the book offers reflections that are relevant to political philosophy, and can stimulate further thought. * VoegelinView *
After watching the Cohen Brother’s film “No Country for Old Men” it is tempting to dismiss their work as just another example of sophisticated and artful paeans to nihilism. Craig and Macdonald, however, reveal that at least in their comedies the Cohen Brothers inspire and are inspired by the importance of family, community and even transcendence for a full human life. Their book, like the Cohen Brothers movies, demonstrates that a thoughtful engagement with the most serious questions of life can also be great fun. -- David Nichols, Baylor University
Sara MacDonald and Barry Craig see the Coen brothers not as despairing existentialists, but as artists with a profoundly moral vision. The deep moral vision is not always obvious in their films, but is given in consistent signs that the authors of this work are very sensitive to and clear in pointing out. The authors combine a movie lover’s enthusiasm with philosophical acumen. -- Richard Gilmore, Concordia College