The benefits of a good night’s sleep can indeed work wonders, even for an Oscar-winning director like Ethan Coen. After a brief hiatus from filmmaking, Coen found himself reinvigorated and ready to create once more, all thanks to the restorative powers of sleep. While his return to the director's chair might seem straightforward, a deeper exploration reveals the complexities behind his decision, particularly in collaboration with his longtime co-writer and editor, Tricia Cooke.
Coen's recent break from filmmaking inadvertently disrupted his collaborative schedule with his brother, Joel Coen. The pair has found themselves directing separately for the time being, although Ethan emphasizes that there was never a formal conversation regarding this change. Instead, it appears to be a natural evolution in their creative paths. Their latest project, Honey Don't, serves as a spiritual sequel to 2024’s Drive-Away Dolls and dives into the hardboiled detective genre, reminiscent of classic films like The Big Sleep.
In Honey Don't, actress Margaret Qualley portrays Honey O’Donahue, who embarks on a murder investigation alongside a police officer, MG Falcone, played by Aubrey Plaza. Their journey leads them to a sleazy reverend, portrayed by Chris Evans, who is fully committed to his role. Coen and Cooke’s discussions often meander through unexpected cinematic references, creating an engaging dialogue that keeps the conversation lively and insightful.
During their interview, Ethan Coen reflected on a previous conversation where he expressed his dwindling enthusiasm for filmmaking. However, after a restorative period and a good night’s sleep, he felt revitalized. Coen humorously likened his rejuvenation to the character of Blair from The Thing, stating, “I’m all better now.” Cooke furthers this sentiment, noting that their last two films could only have been made by someone who genuinely enjoys the craft of filmmaking.
In discussing Qualley's performance in Honey Don't, Coen draws comparisons to the iconic Humphrey Bogart. He notes that Qualley possesses a unique rhythm in her delivery that captures the essence of hardboiled characters. Cooke adds that while she plays the straight character, her performance is infused with humor, echoing the style of classic films that inspired their work.
The creative influence behind Honey Don't extends beyond just Bogart. Coen cites John Huston's Fat City as a significant inspiration, particularly in its portrayal of non-glamorous California life. Cooke mentions that the film influenced the title sequence and the narrative's tone. They also acknowledge their admiration for Robert Altman, openly admitting to borrowing stylistic elements from his film The Long Goodbye.
As for future projects, the Coen brothers remain somewhat ambiguous about their plans. Ethan hints at several potential scripts in the works, including an animated film created with their daughter and a project involving both Qualley and Plaza. Despite the uncertainty, it is clear that their creative juices are flowing, and they continue to explore new artistic avenues.
Ultimately, Ethan Coen's journey back to filmmaking underscores the profound impact of a good night’s sleep on creativity and productivity. For any director or artist considering a pause in their career, Coen's experience serves as a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a little rest to reignite one's passion for the craft. As Coen himself puts it, “Get a good night’s sleep, and you might change your mind.”
