A very special film

Rating: 10/10 (29 August 2008)

This film pulls and teases at its audience ; At times it appears to be a linear heist / chase movie, turning into a serial killer film, to an instruction film on how to hide a suitcase full of money in a motel. As soon as you think you are comfortable with the story arch the film takes another twist always one step ahead never to be caught, not even at the end.
This is a thought provoking film with some of the best dialogue I've seen for decades with perhaps one of the best villains in movie history. The films operates in netherland between reality and the inconceivable, sculpted flawlessly by the Coen brothers into something very special a world alien but familiar.
This is definitely NOT a film made by pre screening and focus groups, it's all the more fresh and unique for never selling out. It goes against the Hollywood convention and doesn't give its audience what they want. In many ways this is a very brave film as with such an incredible performance by super bad guy Javier Bardem they could have made a much more commercial linear film in the editing suit but then again Javier would have never have agreed to be in the film if the Coen's pandered to commercialism. Instead it throws away the film map turns off the how to make a Hollywood movie script software and embarks on an uncomfortable reality not everyone is ready to see. Life doesn't tie up loose ends or always give us answers to perplexing questions nor do people always get what they deserve, I'm sure these elements of the film will frustrate those expecting a conventional script using linear plots.
If you are Coen fan you will love this film and it will stand as one of their best. If you looking for a formula layered beginning middle and end script then this will disappoint. No country for old men is focused on the journey rather than the destination and what a journey!!!