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No one writes film characters like Joel and Ethan Coen.
There are arguably no filmmakers of their generation who are better at launching character names into the cultural stratosphere.
Theyre probably the only modern filmmakers for which the Nos.
21 to 40 version of this list would contain nearly as much greatness as the top 20.
Their movies wouldnt be the same without these 20 people.
Larry Gopnik inA Serious Man
The uncertainty principle.
It proves we cant ever really know … whats going on.
So it shouldnt bother you.
Not being able to figure anything out.
Although you will be responsible for this on the midterm.
It would be great to see him return in one of their films.
Hobie Doyle inHail, Caesar!
Would that it were so simple.
If there werent, what are all the songs about?
But its the random violence of Busters vignette that sets the tone for the entire film.
Mattie Ross inTrue Grit
You must pay for everything in this world, one way and another.
There is nothing free except the grace of God.
Is Mattie the most earnest, sincere character in Coen history?
Amy Archer inThe Hudsucker Proxy
This is a face only a mother could love.
Well, her and the kid with the Hula-Hoop.You know, for kids!
Picking only one bona fide role from the Coens riff onThe Odysseyis surprisingly difficult.
Barton Fink inBarton Fink
Im a writer, you monsters!
I create for a living!
I am a creator!
Is this John Turturros best performance?
Its not just the wide-eyed stare of Barton we remember but everything hes taking in that matters.
Chad Feldheimer inBurn After Reading
I thought you might be worried about the security of your shit.
Brad Pitt generally isnt allowed to be funny enough in his career.
Its a shame because this is one of the most charming and hysterical performances of his career.
Pitts Chad is always moving, talking, thinking … well, maybe not the last one.
Freddy Riedenschneider inThe Man Who Wasnt There
Looking at something changes it.
They call it the uncertainty principle.
Sure, it sounds screwy, but even Einstein says the guys onto something.
Its a perfectly written, directed, and performed scene one of the best in the Coens history.
Charlie Meadows inBarton Fink
You think I made your life hell?
Take a look around this dump.
Youre just a tourist with a typewriter, Barton.
Edwina McDunnough inRaising Arizona
If Im as bad as you, what good are we?
What good are we to each other?
You and mes just a fools paradise.
and Ed McDunnough from the duos second film, still their best pure comedy.
Its also one of those films for which its incredibly tempting to just includeeveryone.
Llewyn Davis inInside Llewyn Davis
Im tired.
I thought I just needed a nights sleep, but its more than that.
), but nothing about this masterful film works at all without Llewyn himself to anchor it.
And yet they dont turn him into a loser or a sad sack.
Hes just someone left behind as the future speeds off.
Walter Sobchak inThe Big Lebowski
Nihilists!
In a way, Walter Sobchak is the perfect embodiment of the modern, overconfident moron.
We all know a (hopefully) less-violent version of Walter.
Walter may pull a gun on Smokey, but he does so because Smokey wontfollow the rules.
Jerry Lundegaard inFargo
This was supposed to be a no-rough-stuff throw in deal!
Loren Visser inBlood Simple
The world is full o complainers.
An the fact is, nothin comes with a guarantee.
Jeffrey Lebowski inThe Big Lebowski
Im the Dude.
So thats what you call me.
Some believe that Jeffrey Lebowski was a man for his time and place.
And sure, he was that.
But he was also an instant icon for times and places to follow.
Why have people responded so strongly to the Dude?
He cant just be the unemployed schlub that a lot of other actors would have delivered.
He finds another relatable level to this philosopher of the bowling alley.
Anton Chigurh inNo Country for Old Men
Let me ask you something.
If the rule you followed brought you to this, of what use was the rule?
McDunnough inRaising Arizona
Theres whats right and theres whats right and never the twain shall meet.
You knew Eds partner had to be on here, too, right?
McDunnough is a perfect example of that love.
We believe that H.I.
and Ed can be good, too.
In Arizona, Utah, or anywhere in between.
Marge Gunderson inFargo
And for what?
For a little bit of money?
Theres more to life than a little money, you know.
And here ya are, and its a beautiful day.
I just dont understand it.
Theres hope for us all as long as Marge is out there.
