Review of No Country for Old Men (2007) by Cj C — 18 May 2013
The best film the Coen brothers have made that isn't the best Coen brothers film. Most of its brilliance is due to our modern-day Faulkner - Cormac McCarthy. The complexity of McCarthy's prose are translated into a film that is mostly mute. McCarthy's writing is regarded as something that cannot be justified through the visual medium. His words stir something inside that is imagined in many different ways.
The basic framework of the narrative (a game of cat and mouse) and its tone (often darkly comic) are trademarks of the Coen brand, but its the indistinct barriers formed around evil and morality that create a platform for audience discussion. Whats the meaning behind the coin toss scene? does Ed's dream penetrate the evil of the seemingly non-selective Anton Chigurh? we're left to rummage for these answers in the pieces placed in front of us.
Only the brains behind the likes of Barton Fink and The Big Lebowski could comprehend the density of McCarthy's narrative. And by faithfully adapting it, the Coens have upheld the intentions of the writer, but most importantly, translated the power of the novel.
This review of No Country for Old Men (2007) was written by Cj C on 18 May 2013.
No Country for Old Men has generally received very positive reviews.
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