‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ Star Oscar Isaac Says It’s Okay Not To Like His Character

Inside Llewyn Davis star Oscar Isaac completely understands if you don’t like his character in directors Joel and Ethan Coen’s latest cinematic drama.

The film, which hits theaters today (December 6), was reportedly inspired by real-life folk singer Dave Van Ronk. Since the character isn’t the nicest individual on the planet, Isaac believes that some moviegoers may have a difficult time warming up to the guy.

The Inside Llewyn Davis star recently explained to US News and World Report:

“It’s OK not to like him. I think for some reason we’re conditioned in movies that the protagonist must be heroic or redeemable in some way, whereas in theater that’s not a necessary. But I’m a completely unobjective person to ask because I love Llewyn. My job was to understand him so I feel like I do, and I find his actions to be selfless.”

Although audiences may find Davis a tough person to like, Oscar Isaac thoroughly understands the character’s quirks and tics. Since the musician tends to keeps his feeling locked away during the film, the only time his true feelings bubble to the surface is when he picks up a guitar and starts playing music.

“The music that you hear that he plays is a direct result of his circumstances. That music that you hear and the way he sings it in the movie is coming from that desperation,” he said.

He added, “If he was more extroverted would perhaps more people like him? Maybe. Maybe he’s so closed in that it narrows that audience. But for those who do catch on to the wavelength, I think it does resonate powerfully.”

Inside Llewyn Davis has an incredible amount of talent behind and in front of the camera. In addition to Isaac, the film also features John Goodman, Adam Driver, Carey Mulligan, and Justin Timberlake. Issac told MTV News that was overwhelmingly impressed with Timberlake’s performance in the flick.

“He’s a huge pop star and a great writer and an incredible singer. His range is really spectacular. He and Marcus actually sing bass on this a cappella song called ‘The Auld Triangle.’ He threw himself, with this whole enthusiasm, into it,” Isaac said of his co-star.

He added, “It was a similar situation; he sang some songs in it, but he did it through the character of Jim Berkey, the mixture of creating a character and creating the music.”

Are you planning to catch Inside Llewyn Davis in theaters this weekend?