The Coen brothers' 2000 adventure film, O Brother, Where Art Thou? is an American adaptation of Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey. This recent comedy follows three escaped convicts as they search for hidden treasure. Despite the considerable gap between the creation of these two works, the film reflects many of the common themes found in the epic poem. But what makes the film an adaptation rather than a direct recreation is its setting; the film takes place in a caricatured version of the American South during the Great Depression. Therefore, based solely on where it takes place, the film is unable to fit in with the other themes and events present in Homer's poem. Additionally, because of where and when the film takes place, the customs embedded in the culture of the film give the story the ability to adapt to the events of the Odyssey. Versions of these events still occur in the film; they are simply about the culture in which it takes place. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay As a whole, the setting of O Brother, Where Art Thou? is the main cause of divergence and unity with The Odyssey, which definitely indicates the quality of this adaptation. The most common similarities between the Coen's film and The Odyssey are either thematic or characteristic; Since the events of the plot are changed in the film adaptation, what unifies the film with the poem is the way in which the original themes and characters of The Odyssey persist. For example, in both works, stated protagonist Ulysses in The Odyssey and Ulysses, otherwise known as Everett, in O Brother, Where Art Thou? reflect the same characteristics. Both men are very cunning and, in some cases, are known for their ability to speak. In The Odyssey, Odysseus encourages his crew to continue their journey through trials, as he says, "Surely we are not unlearned in evil / It is no greater evil now than it was when the Cyclops was forcibly locked in his hollow cave. and violence /... So do what I say, let's all be conquered. (12.210-213) and as a result, his crew "quickly obeyed my [Ulysses'] words." (12.222). In Homer's poem, it is evident that Odysseus's speech holds power among the people he comes into contact with. This is also present in the Coen's film since Everett speaks much more than his two companions and always guides them in their escapades. This can also be observed through the cinematography of the film in that Everett is always placed higher than the other two escaped convicts. Thematically, O Brother, Where Art Thou? is closely related to the themes presented in The Odyssey; the film simply takes place in a completely different era. One of the main themes addressed in both works is family in relation to the concept of homecoming. In the film, Everett claims to have "traveled many miles to return to my [his] wife and children" (O Brother, Where Art Thou?). In the poem, after Odysseus returns to his family, he says that he must "go to our [his] estate with its many orchards / to see my noble father who wept for me constantly" (23.354-355). Even through all their trials and tribulations, both of their families remain a top priority. Between the poem and the film, the most notable similarities between them lie in their shared themes and characteristics, making them conceptually much easier to compare. However, since the film is an adaptation, it does not follow word for word..