Superb Film Making

Rating: 9/10 (2 August 2008)

Leaving behind the cultish tendencies that have marred their work since "Fargo" this is the Coen's best film since that masterpiece. In outward terms a thriller this is really a meditation on change, both those that manifest it and those that suffer it. Javier Bardem is outstanding as a personification of malevolence, the emotional heart though is Tommy Lee Jones, superb as a decent man who no longer understands the world. Supporting performances are up to a very high standard, and short though it is it's nice to see Woody Harrelson that matches his peculiar talents. Beautifully shot and edited, and without an ounce of flab it was easily the best American film of 2007.