Writer/Director: The Coen Brothers
Starring: Javier Bardem, Tommy Lee Jones and Woody Harrelson
‘A Magnificent Masterpiece’
Few stars in Hollywood have accomplished the appreciations of Woody Harrelson. Ever since his rises to recognition in the 1990s, Harrelson has become an icon. Whether it’s terminally ill police officers, natural killers or game keepers, Harrelson has portrayed several unforgettable characters. Arguably, Harrelson’s strength as an actor has always been his commitment. He is one of those rare actors that has poured his heart and soul into every role. Harrelson hasn’t ever been afraid of taking risks in his career by playing characters which aren’t often likeable. Through powerful commitment, Harrelson has transformed into a loved icon in entertainment. Shining bright light in darkness, Harrelson has become a commemorated icon in the entertainment business. Throughout his enduring career, Harrelson has made several unforgettable movies discussing controversial themes that are undoutedly without a doubt worth watching.
I’m a huge fan of Harrelson and adore all the films that he has made throughout his career. However, “No Country for Old Men” remains my favourite. Since its release back in 2007, Woody Harrelson’s film has stood the test of time as one of the best westerns ever made. Packed with breathtaking production-design, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s a mesmerizing western masterpiece. At a centre of it all is an incredible performance by Woody Harrelson, who embodies a sheriff that struggles to control the crime in his small town. Ultimately, what makes “No Country for Old Men” a western masterpiece is its message. Unlike most movies in the genre, it discusses universal themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a universal message about the consequences of crimes which will resonate with everyone. A riveting western masterpiece, there are countless strong reasons why “No Country for Old Men” is a movie that’s worth seeing.
Set in the Texan desert, “No Country for Old Men” tells the story of a killer embarking on a journey to find money. Josh Brolin embodies Llewyn Moss, a sheriff embarking on a journey across the Texan desert. Llewyn’s life changes when he stumbles across money in the Texas. Llewyn is excited by the prospect of finding a load of money that he plans to use for himself. However, Llewyn’s dreams of holding onto the income are threatened by a serial killer. Hot on his trail is Anton Chigurh, a psychopathic killer that will stop at nothing to get money. Also in the mix is Carson Wells (Woody Harrelson), a brave sheriff with a desire for money. Facing a dilemma, Llewyn begins questioning whether he will ever be able to cope with trauma. As all odds are stacked against his favour, Llewyn begins questioning whether it will be possible to overcome terror. Facing a situation which is challenging, Llewyn questions whether he will achieve goals he is pursuing.
The Coen Brothers are fascinated with stories of killers. An excellent duo, the Coen Brothers have established a solid reputation for making crime movies. Their renowned movie “Fargo” captures a female detective investigating the lives of killers living in a small town. With “No Country for Old Men”, however, the directors created their first western. It was the brothers’ first attempt to capture the lives of killers that perpetrate murders in the Wild West, but he succeeded tremendously. Using spellbinding cinematography, the Coen brothers capture a police officer embarking on a journey to catch a serial killer causing catastrophe. Visually, the film is a breathtaking feast for the eyes. The Coen Brothers expertly use handheld cameras to capture a gunslinger embarking on a tense journey facing tension. For instance, handheld camera elevates the killing scene. During this unforgettable scene, Anton commits shocking murders causing the world to face tragedies. One admired montages capturing hardships which police officers in the West go through. Montages are tricky techniques to employ in movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through breathtaking visuals, the Coen Brothers capture serial killers committing crimes that are terrifying.
Another admirable aspect of “No Country for Old Men” is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s arguably one of the greatest westerns ever made. The Coen Brothers have always had an aptitude for capturing the lives of criminals through stunning set design. This set-design is evident in the murders scene. In this intense scene, Llewyn stumbles across a horrifying murder scene in the desert in which dogs have been murdered. One recognizes the gorgeous set-design capturing the hardships of Ibi divided whose lives decline. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing a heavy burden that killers in the Wild West frequently bear. Moreover, the musical score is dazzling. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere that evokes fear. Through engrossing production, the Coen Brothers capture a killer embarking on self destruction.
Storytelling is one of the key reasons why “No Country for Old Men” is a captivating classic which is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses silence to capture the effect of a serial killer committing violence. The Coen Brothers’ screenwriting strength is their abilities to capture the impact of violence on killers through symbolism. Throughout the movie, the coin toss becomes a symbol of the power of fate. The Coen Brothers successfully use symbolism to capture the hardships which killers in the West are facing. For instance, this clever symbolism elevates the coin toss scene. During this unforgettable scene, Anton instills terror in a store manager by asking him what’s the worst which he ever lost in a toin coss. One appreciates symbolism of fhe coin capturing the strong themes of fate in this film. Using a so spectacular screenplay, the Coen Brothers capture the lives of killers which face a painful price to pay.
One appreciates astonishing performances.
Javier Bardem delivers one of his best career performances as Anton Chigurh. Bardem first achieved appreciation for playing depressed men in Spanish dramas. With “No Country for Old Men”, however, he took on his first villain role. It isn’t easy to embody the psychopathic personality of a killer committing crimes that cause catastrophe but he succeeds expertly. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most villainous role. Through spellbinding expressions, he captures the angst, terror and depression of a killer embarking on a journey of self-destruction. As Anton Chigurh, Bardem crafted one of the most frightening serial killers in cinematic history. It’s a terrific performance from one of the most celebrated actors that’s working today.
The supporting cast is sensational and worthy of appreciation. Josh Brolin is brilliant, bringing bravery to an outlaw going upon a journey to commit crimes causing catastrophe. Woody Harrelson is wonderful, bringing determination to a sheriff that is driven to catch a serial killer embarking that is embarking on a path of self-destruction. Lastly, Tommy Lee Jones merits appreciation. As a pessimistic sheriff looking at the world from a negative point of view, he brings tension to the movie.
Finally, “No Country for Old Men” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing the tensions of old men. Unlike most westerns, it tackles universal themes everyone would be able to relate to. The movie tackles themes of anxiety, courage and justice which resonates with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Westerns to appreciate it. It delivers a strong message about the importance of justice which would resonate amongst everyone. Therefore, “No Country for Old Men” is one of those movies which everyone would adore.
Fans of Woody Harrelson will definitely enjoy “No Country for Old Men” and so will movie-goers seeking old-fashioned entertainment. A mesmerizing western masterpiece, it honours an actor that has built a legacy which is iconic.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about outlaws carrying money across borders in countries where old men live experiencing sadistic serial killers that are terrifying, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has built a long-lasting legacy earning a huge following through his abilities to portray characters that are compelling whose commemorated movies are definitely without a single doubt worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 