Movie Review -- No Country For Old Men ****
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
It's too early for me to string together long, coherent sentences. So, instead, I'll just give a stream of consciousness review.
This movie is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. It's easily the best movie of the year so far, quite possibly the best movie of the decade (I need to see to it again to confirm that second one). I'd call it a "return to form" for the Coen Brothers, but, with the exception of The Ladykillers, which, let's face it, was still pretty damn funny, I don't really think their work has gone too far downhill. That being said, this is easily their best film since Fargo and is quite possibly their best work to date.
Javier Bardem's (above) character is certain to become one of the all-time great screen villains (on par with Hannibal Lecter or even Darth Vader). I also think he's wrapped up the race for Best Supporting Actor, though depending on what category they enter people in, Tommy Lee Jones (another bright spot in this movie) may give him a run for his money.
Needless to say, I absolutely loved this movie. It's beautifully violent, often times hilarious, and scary as hell. I'd go see it again today if I had the time.
Update: I don't think you were grasping just how awesomely frightening Bardem is in this movie, so I changed the picture.
6 comments:
Awesome. I can't wait to see it.
Of course its a masterpiece. You've got the Coen brothers interpreting Cormac McCarthy, and not just McCarthy but his most easily accessible story, that just cries to be made into a movie. Nothing less than a masterpiece by fans of both. Before this book, I don't recall a character in a book giving me a nightmare. Chigurh did-- The book is as haunting as I hear the movie is.
Just saw this movie. I really admired it, and it was very entertaining. I also like how it tried to tie it all together thematically with the ending. I respect the Coens as intelligent, thought-provoking filmmakers.
But the ending just didn't sit well with me. I wasn't in love with the third act. I won't spoil it for anyone, but needless to say, it's not at all what you expect. And if you're not careful and don't pay attention, you'll be extremely frustrated.
Pay attention to the themes of the movie. Pay attention, in particular, to Tommy Lee Jones' character and his dialogue: his attitude and how what happens in the movie relates to what he says.
It's a challenging film. I have to see it again to really grasp it.
I wouldn't quite call it "the film of the decade". That's a bit much. It is an excellent film, though. But it didn't totally cohere for me.
Just saw this again tonight. I paid attention to the themes and tried to see if I missed something the time before.
I didn't.
It's a well made movie, but a tad overrated. From what I've read of the book there are story elements and backstory that were left out of the film that would have really given it more depth.
It just didn't cohere for me. The themes of "inevitability" and "what's this world coming to" were good, but they didn't cap it off in a way that satisfied me. Three and a half stars.
Paul Larsen totally talked up this movie and made us all promise we'd see it. I hate seeing movies after I've gotten tons of hype about them. They will inevitably disappoint.
Thanks for the review and comments--
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