Popcorn, Soda, and Goobers - Movie and DVD Reviews and Film Commentary

No Country for Old Men (imdb)

For the casual movie goer, No Country for Old Men delivers a rather simple plot. A murderous fugitive chasing an unassuming cowboy who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Oh, and there’s a sheriff. That is until you realize that this is movie based on a book by Cormac McCarthy. Underneath the seemingly wild plot, barren landscapes, and emotionless characters is an examination of humanity which calls into question our mortality, our fears, and our desires all at once. That is, provided you have the patience and desire to think through the visuals presented to you on screen.

The movie is shot beautifully from wide angle shots of Texas prairies to claustrophobic hotel scenes. The use of symbols, reflections, and light and dark imagery all play together to deliver a suspenseful and gripping theater experience. It is not until after the movie is over that you realize just how lean it is. Background sounds are “audibly” missing heightening the sounds of muzzled shotgun blasts and night time chases. Scenes seemed paced slowly, but action unravels quickly and often in bloody fashion.

Josh Brolin plays Llewelyn Moss, a farmer, now hunted by a maniacal bounty hunter, Anton Chigurh, played by Javier Bordem. For the most part, these two dominate the on screen performance with Tommy Lee Jones playing Sherriff Bell, who is tracking the movements of the two, appearing from time to time. The characters themselves are not developed deeply. That being said, the performances put forth by each cast member are memorable and significant. Brolin plays the rough and tumble Llewelyn Moss perfectly, right down to the accent and the swagger. Javier Bordem’s Anton Chigurh is so maniacal he makes you cringe in nearly every scene. Tommy Lee Jone’s gets Sheriff Bell’s “old man” nonchalance to a T. Unfortunately, there is no real dialogue until Sheriff Bell’s end-of-movie soliloquy. The lack of exploration of into each character, in addition to somewhat disjointed storytelling, can make the overall plot confusing at times. Especially near the end, when the viewer begins to realize that the movie is not really about the duel between Llewelyn and Anton at all. But instead, about the subtler overall themes - the wants and desires of each character, their motivations, and the ultimate futility of the pursuit.

In the end, this is the type of movie which gains its critical acclaim in a sort of incidental manner. Don’t get me wrong. It’s beautifully shot, a real accomplishment for the directors and cinematographer. The actors also put forth very strong, believable performances. But, the ultimate story will likely be lacking for the casual moviegoer. It’s not the type of movie you just go out and see for fun. Instead, it’s one that requires thought and consideration in order to be fully appreciated. To be fair, the chase and battle scenes in the movie are dramatic and suspenseful enough to make the movie a decent enough “watch” for those who might be bringing along less cinematically inclined friends.

I’d give this movie 3.5 air gun slugs out of 5 for those looking for a weekend diversion. But, if you’re the type that is looking for a moving and thoughtful tale, No Country for Old Men is a must see. Likely, a 5 out of 5.