"Relentless pursuit"

Rating: 7/10 (12 March 2008)

Search IMDb for this phrase using Word Search, Plots and among those listed will be "No Country for Old Men." Also listed are "The Fugitive" TV series and "Les Miserables." Surprisingly "The Terminator," "Kill Bill," and "Hard Candy" aren't in the list.
While NCFOM is much simpler in its story line than Les Mis, it's unique among this sub-genre of thriller/suspense films in its skilled direction and lack of Aesopian conclusion.
I've long been a believer in the artistry of direction. The actors, cinematographer, cameramen, grips, script girls, and caterers are managed by the director to produce his/her vision of the story. Every actor, who's appeared in a leading or supporting role in more than a couple of films, has one or more fine performances buried within, to be drawn out by the right director. In NCFOM we see a fine example or three.
Beyond the acting is the supporting imagery, pace, sound, and obviousness of presentation. In NCFOM we're dropped into one of the stark, arid parts of North America. Sitting in an air conditioned theater (be it a cineplex or at home) one knows that this is a harsh piece of country, despite the actors seeming unusually cool for the atmosphere.
Something has taken place, parts of which are obvious - parts not. A man, of whom we learn as the story unfolds that he is self sufficient and of the region, stumbles across this scene of violence and finds what might be his pot-at-the-end-of-the-rainbow. Although he already knows what will happen if he takes the pot, we soon learn that it's someone else's and they want it back. One of the men chosen to recover it is the Terminator - perhaps without a metal exo/endo-skeleton nor a databank brain, but seemingly just as indestructible and relentless in mission - except when he whimsically allows fate, or chance, to be tested.
Sarah Connor's would-be savior this time is a sheriff, who never actually comes in contact with either Sarah or the Terminator but plies us with terse procedural observations, possibly some unpracticed country wisdom, and obscure lessons couched in apocryphal stories.
Along the chase we slowly discover some of the truth behind some of the mysteries but for the most part none is resolved completely nor satisfactorily. This is not a bad thing, it merely points out that the story lacks a moral. It's a conceivable piece of life, it's violent, and difficult to understand the antagonists motivation (if any) and, thankfully, does not have a Hollywood ending. It's clear who the bad guy is but are there any good guys? Yes, if good is a relative term.
It is superb film-making, evoking peak performances on both sides of the lens. By all means see this with someone who likes to talk about film and art.
Was it the best picture of 2007? Was the best picture even nominated? The jury decided differently from the box office? IMDb votes are indecisive. Like NCFOM, we'll never know the answer.