In retrospect this is truly a great film...

Rating: 10/10 (18 February 2019)

When this first came out I wasn't all that impressed with the film. It seemed at the time to be just a exceptionally well crafted crime film that centered on a gripping cat-and-mouse chase. That's still true. The film is taunt and the tension is palatable. I think the reason that I didn't really connect with the first time is the Coen Brothers' humor is rather subdued in this film. The tale is darkly funny in places but it isn't laugh out loud the way, say, Fargo is. This isn't a complaint per se but the film feels a little atypical for the Coens.
That is not to say it isn't exceptionally well directed. The Brothers' beautiful and mathematical compositions are all over this film. Likewise, the film use of shadow is very reminiscent of their noir-ish films, ala The Man Who Wasn't There. Likewise, the script's reworking of the western conventions has a lot in common with how they like to turn genres inside out.
The best part of the film is easily Chigurh. There is dullness mixed with utter malice in his characterization. Bardem gives one of the most unnerving turns as this man of warped morality, the self-appointed hand of fate. The haircut is utterly terrifying in context.
I am so glad I gave this another look. It is a great film.