This film is so good-natured, it’s near impossible to dislike. At the same time, it’s too good-natured to be an all-time great. As I watched it this week, I noticed how the Coen brothers and cinematographer Roger Deakins employ the three shot several times in the movie for masterly comic effect. A three shot is a type of shot in which the frame features three figures, usually characters, and in O Brother, Where Art Thou? typically expressive faces. A three shot in a comedy is an efficient tool. It allows reaction shots from multiple characters simultaneously and avoids cutting and disruptive changes. This film has some variations, but many of the screengrabs below include the movie’s mains Everett, Delmar and Pete watching something or reacting to something from near identical POVs.
An action three shot in which the three are chained together. They are in it together, this adventure, and we are with them.
A closer shot. Three faces with varying expressions, all looking at the same thing.
Still in their prison garb. This time they are encountering Pete’s cousin Wash together. Note that Delmar is often in the middle. The taller men frame him.
Here’s a variation. The singers are in profile.
The three shot is also efficient for comedic conversations.
Not sure if this qualifies or not, but if it does, it’s a reverse three shot involving two non-human figures, but it would be typical for this movie in that the three figures are looking at something coming towards them.
A three shot can involve one of the three figures coming forward into the foreground. Here it highlights that it’s Pete who is called most powerfully by the Sirens.
The Sirens are first shown in a long, wide three shot washing some items of clothing and unmentionables in the river. Then, they come forward in a trio that mirrors the shot with Pete in the foreground. One siren leading the others.
One of the most dramatic shots in the film is a three shot from above with three nooses dangling over the heads of our heroes.
Apropos. Somebody got them. Coen, Coen, Deakins.
Talking Big 
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