Welcome home, Coen Brothers. It's nice to have you back. After sitting through the likes of The Ladykillers and Intolerable Cruelty, followers of The Brothers Coen are finally reminded why they became fans in the first place. No Country For Old Men is their finest film since Fargo. In some ways, it may even be the superior of the two.
The film is without a doubt more challenging and meditative than Fargo, due largely to the nature of the source material. An invested viewer will revel in the uncommon narrative structure and how themes develop within it. On the other hand, fans of straight-up action fare may want to show up late and leave early. They'll most likely only be interested in the second act.
A Texas shootout leaves a whole mess of people (and dogs) dead. Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) happens to come across the macabre outcome one afternoon while out hunting. A ton of heroin is discovered in the back of a truck along with a case full of money a bit further away. Not being a drug dealer, or Amy Winehouse, Moss leaves the smack behind and opts for the cash. An unfortunate trip back to the scene leads a mess of the wrong folk onto his trail. He plans to send his wife away to her mother's (where she'll hopefully be safe) while he sorts things out one way or another. These plans are seriously jeopardized when the psychotic Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) embarks on a relentless hunt for Moss.
The Coens' filmmaking style is something of a marvel. During a suspenseful dialogue scene, a character places a used food wrapper onto the counter. In a stroke of brilliance, the camera is held on the wrapper as it crinkles outward slowly, increasingly elevating the tension. It may not sound like much on paper, but it makes a monumental difference upon viewing. A character being choked to death while lying on the floor is also handled in an unseen fashion. He flays his legs about, kicking for his life, each kick resulting in a scuff line from his heel. By the time he's perished, the floor is covered with them.
Little touches of authenticity like this are strewn throughout the picture. While being chased by a dog, Moss ends up swimming across a river with the determined creature paddling after him. I've never witnessed that before. Each action set piece follows suit. They're designed to dizzying effect, complemented by the absence of score. Strings and horns are replaced with footsteps and organic outdoor sounds. These moments had me obsessing over the screen, hardly able to blink.
Article comments
1 - Valerie
I agree fabulous movie, and definitely an oscar possibility..