The Coen Brothers have proven, time and time again, that they are able to create films from nearly every genre, including thrillers, westerns, and comedies (see “No Country For Old Men,” “True Grit,” and “The Big Lebowski,” respectively). I never would have guessed that musical would be next on their list. “Inside Llewyn Davis” is not your typical musical, though, which would usually consist of spontaneous acts of singing or elaborate theater dance routines. This is a very simple story, and it is at times, a very dark one too.

It is 1961. Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) is a struggling folk singer living in New York City. Due to hard financial times, he has been reduced to living on people’s couches, with no place to call his own. Despite his determination, and some clear musical talent, Llewyn is constantly shot down by producers, who claim that there is no money to be made with his type of music. The film shows us the events that take place during a week in his life.

At one point, Llewyn is called an “asshole” by supposed friend Jean Berkey (Carey Mulligan). And it is an unfortunately fitting name. Llewyn is obnoxious, irritable, and at times, prone to angry outbursts, especially when people mention his recently deceased music partner Mike. But when Llewyn picks up a guitar, all negative thoughts immediately vanish. With a soft, angelic voice, coupled with gentle guitar rhythms, Llewyn has an ability to completely stun a room into silence. Even though the songs are simple folk tunes, they explode with radiant emotion and energy. And they are all sung and played live on screen by Oscar Isaac. With such amazing talent, I hope that Isaac manages to have a long and successful career in the entertainment industry, in both movies and music.

And what would be a Coen Brothers movie without some great supporting roles? My favorite is that of Roland Turner, played by John Goodman. An overweight, offensive jazz musician, he is encountered by Llewyn as he is hitching a ride from New York to Chicago, in the hopes of seeing a studio executive there. With no transition between his mind and his mouth, Turner is a particularly disagreeable character, one that often clashes with Llewyn. Justin Timberlake also brings a fine performance as Llewyn’s friend Jim. One of the funnier moments of the film is when Llewyn is playing a song with Jim called “Please Mr. Kennedy;” complete with ridiculous lyrics and a rather hokey talk-singing part. It is also kind of catchy, though.

To give everything you have to an art is something that I admire, even if I could never do it. Yet, Llewyn chooses this lifestyle. He is a folk singer, and he refuses to settle for anything less. It is because of people like him that most bands and artists have made it today, especially back when their type of music was not yet popular. Think back to another famous folk singer of the 1960’s, who clearly turned out to be a success (Hint: he plays the harmonica). Plus, the character of Llewyn Davis is inspired by an actual folk singer named Dave Van Ronk. If there were no risk-takers out there like these people, than we would not have most of the great music that we have today.

But “Inside Llewyn Davis” is not even so much about making it in the music industry, as it is a quest to find your own identity. Throughout the movie, LLewyn frequently encounters a small orange tabby cat. Carrying it around with him through the city, it almost seems to latch onto him; as if a perfect fit for a person living as a nomadic loner. Despite his efforts to get away from it, the animal always returns, and always at crucial moments. The cat seems to represent Llewyn’s life and his music. Because no matter how people try to dissuade him, he continues to play, even if just for a small crowd at a local bar. His way of life is one that most people would not willingly choose. But it is who he is, and there’s no getting away from that.