Billy Bob's Filmography

INTOLERABLE CRUELTY (2003)

Movie Quote
HOWARD D. DOYLE:  I mean, I love you like a son-of-a-bitch!

Plot
No, the title doesn't describe repeat screenings of BURN HOLLYWOOD BURN.  It's those crazy Coen Brothers giving us a new film romantic comedy genre:  screwball noir.  In the best tradition of Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell, George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones mix up some of the best screen chemistry seen in years as a divorce lawyer and the stunning gold-digger who proves to be more than his match in court and in courtship. Miles Massey (George Clooney), Los Angeles's top divorce attorney, is the master of the ironclad prenuptial contract (dubbed "The Massey Pre-Nup"), which has never been broken in court.  Oozing charm and success, Miles yearns for a new challenge in his life and finds it in the ragingly gorgeous Marylin Rexroth (Catherine Zeta-Jones, never prettier or more stylish), whom Miles defeats in court just as she is about to make a killing on her divorce from her wealthy, train-fetishist hubby, Rex Rexroth (Edward Herrman).  Miles becomes smitten with the fetching Marylin, who schemes to get her revenge against Miles even as she finds herself attracted to him.  She wastes no time in marrying garrulous oil tycoon Howard Doyle (Billy Bob) and uses her gains from that brief union to turn the tables on Miles.  

What Billy Bob Gets To Do
Howard's a bit of a motormouth who goes on and on AND ON about his football days at Texas A&M as he and his betrothed Marylin ask Miles to draft them their own Massey Pre-Nup.  His wedding to Marilyn culminates in an unusual declaration of love for his bride that proves to be his sauciest performance.  He also gets some nice berry spoons as a wedding gift.

Backstory
INTOLERABLE CRUELTY is the first film that the Coen Brothers edited digitally, using two Power Macs.  The excellent cast also includes Geoffrey Rush, Julia Duffy, and Cedric the Entertainer.  Of the Howard Doyle character, Joel Coen noted, "It's a supporting character but it's kind if an indelible character. And we finally cast Billy Bob as regionally true to his roots. He plays a sort of southern character from Texas."  Billy Bob viewed Howard as "a loud ignorant Texan.  The character's supposed to be a little bit over the top, but we don't learn why until later."  With regard to that "later," look closely, or you'll miss EVIL DEAD's granite-jawed Bruce Campbell in a pivotal scene with Billy Bob.

For location lovers, Howard and Marylin's wedding was shot at the gorgeous Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California (just south of Pasadena).  If you visit, do check out the stirring Desert Garden and the infamous "corpse" flower.

Awards (for INTOLERABLE CRUELTY)
Empire Awards, U.K. (Empire Award, Best Director, Ethan & Joel Coen) - 2004 - Nomination

Relevant Links
IMDb Link
Official Site
Jo Blo preview
Coming Soon! preview page with stills
How the Brothers Coen edited the film
Moovees.com cute cow's-eye view
The Engage The Enemy fan list
You Know, For Kids!  Paul Tweedle's groovy Coen Brothers Site, the best on the net!
Link to a first draft of the script!
Coenesque:  Another Coen Brothers tribute site
Visit the lovely Huntington Botanical Gardens where Marylin and Howard got hitched

Related Merchandise
The soundtrack, heavy on the songs, includes composer Carter Burwell's Intolerable Mambo and Hanky Panky Choo Choo.  We're waiting for a do-it-yourself "Massey Pre-Nup" kit.