by Chloe Jones

Created on: April 29, 2007   Last Updated: May 09, 2007

Joel and Ethan Coen have made their mark on Hollywood as writers, directors and producers of quirky films that are difficult to classify into traditional movie genres.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Joel in 1954 and Ethan in 1957, the Coen brothers work so closely together that they are sometimes called "The Two-Headed Director." They had their first big hit with 1987's "Raising Arizona", which they wrote and directed.

The Coen brothers spent the early 1990's making films such as "Barton Fink" and "The Hudsucker Proxy." They scored a major success with "Fargo" in 1996. That film earned several Academy Award nominations and won two Oscars, including Best Original Screenplay for Joel and Ethan and Best Actress for Joel's wife, Frances McDormand.

While "Fargo" had its funny moments, the mood was also dark. The Coen brothers lightened things up a bit with "The Big Lebowski" in 1998 and "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" in 2000.

Films by the Coen brothers frequently revolve around a kidnapping or other crime gone wrong. Their movies seem to emphasize a sense of place, whether it's the Upper Midwest in "Fargo", the big city of Los Angeles in "The Big Lebowski" or the old south in "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?"

The Coen brothers frequently appear on Premier magazine's Power 100 List. Some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, including George Clooney, Billy Bob Thornton and Holly Hunter, have starred in more than one picture with the Coen brothers at the helm. They are involved with all aspects of their productions, usually performing the writing, directing and editing duties.

Joel and Ethan Coen currently have about half a dozen projects in production or slated for theatrical release. Though their films might not be everyone's cup of tea, the Coen brothers have attracted loyal audiences eager to see what they will come up with next.

Learn more about this author, Chloe Jones.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.