A Potpourri of Vestiges Review No Country for Old Men (2007): Joel and Ethan Coens genre-transcending psychological labyrinth with existential overtones No Country for Old Men, based on a 2005 novel of the same name by American novelist and playwright Cormac McCarthy, is set in the 1980 West Texas and revolves around three men: a welder and Vietnam veteran, Llewelyn Moss, who serendipitously finds in his possession a sum of two million dollars, a psychopathic killer, Anton Chigurh, on Moss’ trail who would stop at nothing in his pursuit, and an aging county sheriff, Ed Tom Bell, who finds himself increasingly incapacitated by the sheer depravity of the criminals he is pitted against. Like some for the best works of the Coen Brothers, No Country for Old Men is a difficult film to classify genre-wise. On one hand, the movie’s lurid landscape and starkly somber mood remind one of the Western films of Anthony Mann, Sergio Corbucci, and Sam Peckinpah, while on the other, a strong, pulsating sense of suspense bears a striking similarity to classic Hitchcock films. No Country for Old Men has been described by some critics as Neo-Western in that it marks a departure from the classical Western ideals. The movie has also been described as a cross between the Western and Film Noir. No Country for Old Men is a product of great creative ambition and technical brilliance. It is a powerful exercise in filmmaking that transcends genres and fades the line between mainstream and arthouse cinema. The movie’s antagonist Anton Chigurh is easily the most chilling hitman in all literature or cinema. Chigurh can make the meanest of villains look like sissies. He may be described as an angel of death, a Terminator-esque Boogeyman of mythic proportions, or, more accurately, as a cross between the Grim Reaper and a diabolus ex machine. There are few contemporary filmmakers who are better at devising a multilayered narrative with a perfect mix crime, drama, adventure, suspense and quirky humor. No Country for Old Men is quite high on gore, and those with weak hearts are advised to stay away from it. But, those who do choose to watch it should expect nothing less than a rollercoaster of a ride. While the movie’s ending may disappoint the curious lot, the journey alone is worth the time and indulgence. Highly recommended! The full review can be read here: apotpourriofvestiges/2014/11/no-country-for-old-men-2007-joel-and.html #NoCountryforOldMen #CoenBrothers #CormacMcCarthy
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 20:03:36 +0000
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