In general, the film’s style is stunning. Cinematographer Roger Deakins paints the Old West in a harsher light, but the landscape remains picturesque. Sound designer Craig Berkey showcases some realistic and crystal-clear sound effects from the whir of an ice machine to a door lock being blown out. The quick-moving dialogue expresses many emotions with few words.
As entertaining as No Country for Old Men is, some movie fans may find it confusing and dark. Many characters and events lack full explanation. The hero, Moss, isn’t really heroic. But I think Chigurh’s viciousness is enough to keep people riveted to their seats. After slipping up on their last two films, the Coens have found the road again. They return to filming gripping stories of plans gone wrong at the last possible second. Moss is another man whose desires get him into dangerous situations. The violence in the movie is inconceivable and impossible for any of the characters to defend against.
DVD Review
No Country for Old Men comes in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen video format and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound audio. I’m not surprised to find that there aren’t many special features. Coen DVDs haven’t come with lots of extras. Three featurettes is all you get. The first one is surprisingly informative, covering the cast and crew's approach to making the film and covering major themes. The last two mostly repeat what was in the first. What’s most disappointing is that they’re boss appreciation videos thanking the Coens for being such a pleasure to work for. This is an okay release. However, I’m filled with a Star Wars fanboy level of frustration at the lack of a filmmaker commentary track. Joel, Ethan, please share more with us fans.
Extras Include:
- "Working With the Coens: Reflections of Cast and Crew"
- "The Making of No Country for Old Men"
- "Diary of a Country Sheriff"
Movie Grade: A
DVD Grade: C
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