Great Coen Brothers Film.

Rating: 7/10 (1 December 2018)

A most interesting feature, a masterclass in directing and acting. The editing is done in such a way that great tension is sustained for elongated periods of the run time, this is highly engrossing and masterful for the film to have achieved.
While all performances were of a quality standard unseen by most features, I particularly think that Javier Bardem is astounding as the sadistic and psycophatic fellow he portrays, due to this gluttal voice, uneasy footsteps and building of 'creepiness' - it's a wonderful performance. Also I believe that Tommy Tee Jones, Josh Brolin and Kelly MacDonald all deserve great praise.
Roger Deakins cinematography, along with the Coen brothers directing and the editing, brings a very vivid, tense and strangely colourful palette. One truly feels as if they are in Texas and Mexico, coupled with the lighting brings a very clear and timeless image.
However, I must come to what I did not enjoy, while I enjoy most Coen brothers motion pictures, this one is slightly weaker in my opinion, simply due to my own personal preferences about story and characterisation, which this film differs in. Therefore while this film is a masterclass in certain aspects, it is not of my personal taste entirely, dare I say there was things I did not enjoy: yes. I found that the music was relatively absent, or forgettable, while I understand that this is a styalistic choice, I feel that in retrospect that it somewhat weakened the film.
I feel that while I write this after having just seen it, not a few minutes ago, that in time it will grow on me, and I will appreciate its masterclass and excellent craft more than I already do, and it's pitfalls in my own personal opinion will be overlooked. But I think that right now, it's a 7/10.