What's the most you've ever lost on a coin toss?

Rating: 10/10 (15 December 2007)

No Country for Old Men is possibly the most interesting, intense, and discussion worthy movie of the year. I can guarantee that everyone who sees this movie will be talking about it for the entire way home. There are so many elements of the movie that are up for interpretation and speculation that a definitive answer as to what it all really means will likely never be reached.
This film is a brilliant mix of storytelling, violence, and, most of all, suspense. Spectacular performances are given by the entire cast, but most notably Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson, Tommy Lee Jones, and the menacingly dark Javier Bardem. I just cannot stress enough how great Bardem is in this movie. He makes his character, Anton Chigurh, the creepiest guy you can ever hope to see.
No Country for Old Men follows the story of Llewelyn Moss (Brolin), a man who stumbles upon a murder scene and two million dollars in drug money, a sheriff (Jones) trying to find his purpose in life, and a bounty hunter (Bardem) doing what he does best. It may seem like Brolin's character is the hero in this movie, but the story really toys with your perception of good and evil.
It's not likely that No Country's soundtrack will be winning any Oscars or Grammies any time soon, but it's one of my favorite elements of the film. There is no music to be spoken of. It is dead silent. The natural noises of every scene are all that you will hear. The silence helps to build tension and intensity in just about every scene. While most movies are absolutely silent only right before something major or unexpected is about to happen, this movie gives the viewer that feeling throughout.
There is no question that No Country for Old Men is one of the best movies of 2007, but I think that it will quickly take its rightful place as a cinema classic. The Coen Brothers will likely be taking home their first Oscars since Fargo come February. Although I can certainly see how some people will leave the theater disliking this movie, due to its intense and stylized nature, I think that it is essential viewing for any movie lover. Besides, who knew that so much could hang in the balance of a coin toss?