This book provides an analysis of five of the best known comedies of the award winning American film makers Joel and Ethan Coen. It demonstrates that their films, while popular and entertaining, also contain substantial philosophic and political ideas, particularly focusing on the nature of liberal democracy.

Sara MacDonald is professor of political science and philosophy at Huron University.
Barry Craig is professor at Huron University.

Ch. 1 Raising Arizona: It Takes a Baby to Raise a Nation
Ch. 2 Fargo: Why You Shouldn't Put Your Friend in a Wood Chipper
Ch. 3 The Big Lebowski: Bowling for Love
Ch. 4 O Brother, Where Art Thou?: That Time Odysseus Woke Up in a Democracy
Ch. 5 Hail, Caesar!: The Divine Presence that Was Not Represented in the Film