In the 1990’s, a decade characterized by its big-
budget sequels, the Coens released five features, typ-
ically produced on small budgets, always based on
their highly original screenplays (and their explicit
storyboards):Miller’s Crossing(1990),Barton Fink
(1991),The Hudsucker Proxy(1994),Fargo(1996),
andThe Big Lebowski(1998). The Coens set their
films in various regions of the United States, often in
past eras:Miller’s Crossingfollows the gang wars and
corrupt politics of the 1920’s;Barton Finkexplores a
mind-numbing 1941 Hollywood studio system; and
The Hudsucker Proxysatirizes the corporate world of
1958 New York City. Two of the Coens’ many unfor-
gettable characters, the perpetually stoned “Dude”
(Jeff Bridges) and his bowling buddy, Vietnam vet-
eran Walter (John Goodman), move through 1990’s
Los Angeles locked into 1960’s attitudes inThe Big
Lebowski. Although set in the 1990’s,Fargoevokes an
earlier time of innocence in the character of Marge
(Frances McDormand), the pregnant, practical, and
optimistic policewoman faced with a series of hid-
eous murders.
The most expensive production, featuring the
biggest Hollywood name (Paul Newman),The Hud-
sucker Proxywas their least successful film, critically
and financially, while the modestly madeFargowas
their greatest commercial and critical success, win-
ning Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay
and Best Actress (for McDormand, who is married to
Joel Coen).
The brothers share writing credits and, although
Ethan is credited as producer and Joel as director,
they share these responsibilities and also coedit, un-
der the pseudonym Roderick Jaynes. Added to the
family atmosphere are regular crew and cast mem-
bers (John Turturo, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi).
In many respects, the Coen brothers continue the
practice they began as boys: working together, hav-
ing fun, and making their own versions of Holly-
wood genre films. Perhaps the best example of their
ability to combine pulp fiction and philosophy, ma-
cabre violence and clever dialogue, in ways both de-
rivative and unique isMiller’s Crossing, one of the best
films of the 1990’s.
Impact The Coen brothers have demonstrated the
viability of creating low-budget Hollywood films that
possess the originality and autonomy of the best in-
dependent cinema, while capitalizing on the distri-
bution potential of major studios.
Further Reading
Allen, William Rodney, ed.The Coen Brothers: Inter-
views.Jackson: University Press of Mississippi,
2006.
Palmer, R. Barton.Joel and Ethan Coen.Urbana: Uni-
versity of Illinois Press, 2004.
Robson, Eddie.Coen Brothers.London: Virgin Books,
2003.
Carolyn AndersonSee also Academy Awards; Film in the United
States; Independent films; Jewish Americans; Sun-
dance Film Festival. Coffeehouses
Definition Establishments that sell a variety of
beverages and snacks and that commonly serve
as social and entertainment venues
The increased popularity of coffeehouses in the 1990’s gave
rise to a new American subculture and helped to reinforce
the on-the-go lifestyle of modern America.
The fast pace of Americans’ lives as well as a demand
for trendy gourmet coffees and teas created a mar-
ket niche for coffeehouses in the 1990’s. Many
Americans adopted an on-the-go lifestyle and
sought a convenient way to obtain their morning
coffee without the hassle of self-preparation. Com-
panies such as Starbucks and Seattle’s Best Coffee
saw this demand and developed a streamlined atmo-
sphere in which patrons could get a cup of coffee or
tea in a matter of minutes. Coffeehouses were trans-
formed from high-class establishments with upper-
class patrons in mind into hip, fast-paced cafés tar-
geted toward American youth and the middle class.
Another demand that arose during the decade was
for a more diversified selection of beverages. Ameri-
cans wanted more than just the standard black cof-
fee. Coffeehouses began to carry a variety of bever-
ages, including espressos, cappuccinos, and chai tea.
In addition, sandwiches and pastries were intro-
duced to great success as well as desserts and finger
foods.
Coffeehouses have historically been known as so-
cial spaces for the exchange of information. With
the rise of the Internet in the mid-1990’s, Internet
cafés sprang up, and some coffeeshops even offered
free wireless Internet service to patrons. This feature206 Coffeehouses The Nineties in America