Chilling puzzle that unveils a great image

Rating: 9/10 (3 March 2008)

The Cohen brothers have left their mark on American film, no doubt about that; "Fargo" is one of my favourites, where everything in it, like a puzzle, made a wonderful big picture. The same goes for this film, where script, direction, acting and cinematography play equal parts alongside long-time Cohen-accomplice Carter Burwell's chilling soundtrack to make this a film about consequence, circumstance and cold-blooded action - the latter in stark contract to Tommy Lee Jones' brilliant portrayal of an experienced and jaded - yet human - sheriff. It must be said that I think Javier Bardem's performance is worthy of the Oscar he won a week ago. He's chilling like hell, but as written was, not only because of his supreme acting, but the script, cinematography, the Cohen's sublime sense of using silence, timing and soundtrack. This is a must-see film.