I think the 'all style' rap on the Coens is just critical shortsightedness. Make a film with up-front visual flair or place thematic development somewhere other than straightforward narrative and critics will deem it 'empty', c.f. Blade Runner. The Coens may not have much 'heart' - they seem pretty cerebral, but Kubrick is a good comparison - not much heart but certainly not 'all style.' Moral seriousness? Miller's Crossing is about as serious a contemplation of morality (and, of course "Ethics") as one is likely to find on the big screen. Intellect? Barton Fink is smarter than Full Metal Jacket. perhaps what troubles the critics is the Coens reflexivity. They're cynical enough to include stuff in their pictures that question their own roles as image-makers and Hollywood outsiders. Barton Fink is a subject of ridicule, but he also represents the Coens in a way, being a creative person amidst business people. Similarly, it is significant that Bernie, the pitiable but slimy 'villain' of Miller's Crossing is a Jew. I could go on, but the point is the substance is there, you just have to look for, and more importantly recognize that in the postmodern world a sense of irony does not necessarily preclude seriousness, but may even be required for it. Besides, the boys went to my high school! (Go Park!!!) djt ---- To signoff SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]