A tale of murder, crime and punishment set in the summer of 1949. Ed Crane, a barber in a small California town, is dissatisfied with his life, but his wife Doris' infidelity and a mysterious opportunity presents him with a chance to change it.

Included in
Neonoir
Position 17

Credits

Crew

DirectorJoel Coen

WriterJoel Coen, Ethan Coen

CinematographerRoger Deakins

ComposerCarter Burwell

Editor,

Ethan Coen

Tricia Cooke,

Joel Coen

ProducerEthan Coen, Joel Coen

Cast

Billy Bob Thorntonas Ed Crane

Frances McDormandas Doris Crane

Michael Badaluccoas Frank

James Gandolfinias Big Dave Brewster

Katherine Borowitzas Ann Nirdlinger Brewster

Jon Politoas Creighton Tolliver

Scarlett Johanssonas Birdy Abundas

Richard Jenkinsas Walter Abundas

Tony Shalhoubas Freddy Riedenschneider

Christopher Kriesaas Officer Persky

Brian Haleyas Officer Krebs

Jack McGeeas P.I. Burns

Gregg Binkleyas The New Man

Alan Fudgeas Dr. Diedrickson

Lilyan Chauvinas Medium

Adam Alexi-Malleas Jacques Carcanogues

Ted Rooneyas Bingo Caller

Abraham Benrubias Party Man

Christian Ferrattias Child

Rhoda Gemignanias Costanza

Double Feature

Streaming now, and why it pairs with this film

Blood Simple1984

Both directed by Joel Coen, and both starring Frances McDormand

Related Films

via Criterion Collection

Double Indemnity

1944

Unavailable

No Country for Old Men

2007

Unavailable

Miller’s Crossing

1990

Unavailable

Articles

via Criterion Collection

The Man Who Wasn’t There: The Barber of Santa RosaLaura Lippman — Feb 24, 2026

The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001) | Criteria