Based largely on their childhood experiences but without being autobiographical (which is either quirkily typical of the Coens or an attempt to keep the lawyers at bay), A Serious Man observes the life of an upstanding member of the Jewish community as he faces a turning point in his career (with the opportunity of tenure at the University where he lectures) and his life (where his wife is leaving him to his considerable shock).Unusually, the film does not use any of the recognised members of the Coen fraternity. The titular character is played by Michael Stuhlbarg who does an excellent job belying the supporting roles that have been his career to date.
As a man of faith who has undoubtedly done all the right things in life, he seeks the advice of his local rabbis. Needless to say, they all in their different ways seem unable to assist. The whole thrust of the film is how these men with such a significant and crucial role in the Jewish community are able to cope (or not) with the everyday concerns of the members of their congregation.
This is a funny movie but more in the fashion of some of the earlier, darker movies rather than the more accessible Burn After Reading. For those of you that don't like those earlier Coen Brothers movies (Barton Fink might be the best barometer for comparison purposes) you may find it difficult to get above the general air of depression that surrounds the film. But the rest of you will cherish that the Coen Brothers can still produce this type of film despite their wider success.
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