MovieChat Forums > Inside Llewyn Davis (2014) Discussion > The Gate of Horn audition (spoiler)

The Gate of Horn audition (spoiler)

posted 10 years ago by yousaylodgehatisayfunnyh
7 replies | jump to latest

Llewyn did a very touching rendition of 'The Death of Queen Jane', and Grossman sat there, emotionless for the entire thing. When I first saw it, I thought Grossman would be overwhelmed, and offer him a gig. If you've seen it, you know he was not impressed, and rather dismissive (hence the spoiler). Did anyone think it might go the other way?

[–] bravomailer 10 years ago

I thought Grossman was moved by Llewyn's performance; he just didn't see any commercial value there.

I suppose it's recognized here that the character went on to be Dylan's manager, so it's one of the several incidents where Llewyn misses out: not getting royalties for "Please, Mr Kennedy", rejecting Grossman's offer to form Peter, Llewyn, and Mary, being too despondent to connect with the time.

[–] yousaylodgehatisayfunnyh 10 years ago

Seeing the way Albert Grossman behaved in 'Don't Look Back', I'd say Murray Abraham showed great restraint.

[–] bhoover247 10 years ago

I loved the way Grossman defended Dylan in "Don't Look Back". When the hotel employee said they had received complaints about noise from Dylan's room.

[–] DreamersxDisease 10 years ago

I thought Grossman was moved by Llewyn's performance; he just didn't see any commercial value there.

Yeah, I think this nails it. I don't think Grossman disliked what he was seeing/hearing, but he saw no way to make it into a profit. Ya know he mentioned Troy and how he connected with people or whatever. So if that's what he was looking for it's no surprise he didn't really see that in Llewyn.

I think if Llewyn's character were put into a modern day context he could make a little more something of himself what with so many different avenues to get your stuff out there. But in that time when there was only one or two ways to be heard, it had to appeal to the masses more and in a more accessible way. Who knows, Llweyn's always a step behind or just aside from where all the action is at hah.

[–] nystulc 10 years ago

> When I first saw it, I thought Grossman would be overwhelmed, and offer him a gig.

Grossman DID offer him a gig. A golden one, it turns out. He turned it down.

[–] DaveBowman2001 10 years ago

Agree.

He was looking for a package/look. Thought Llewyn wasn't a front man. He is a businessman looking for a sure thing. He was definitely moved during the rendition IMO. Llewyn had already decided he was a solo act after dealing the the death of his partner.

[–] Errington_92 9 years ago

Yeah, I think this nails it. I don't think Grossman disliked what he was seeing/hearing, but he saw no way to make it into a profit.

I felt this made Llewyn a tragic character. Someone who is committed to be himself within his music, yet others only seeing commercial possibilities rather than artistic intentions.

I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.