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THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE (2001). Quirky Coen Brothers film that is a Noir film (in gorgeous Black and White) that throws in X FILES elements. Billy Bob Thornton is probably the biggest blank slate imaginable ("I just cut the Hair") and must smoke about 200 cigarettes before the film is over. In true Noir fashion, he tries to improve his lot and it all goes wrong. Good film, but just a little too languid and I found the ending unsatisfying. Worth seeing anddecent performances by BBT, Frances McDormand, James Gandolfini, a young Scarlett Johansen ("Heavens to Betsy, Birdie!") and Tony Shaloub as an incredibly rude conceited lawyer who seems to be making it up as He goes along. ***
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