A good adaptation of a pretty good book

Rating: 7/10 (24 February 2008)

I'm a big movie buff, but books are my first love; so when I see film adaptations of books I've read, I've often been disappointed. "No Country For Old Men" is an exception to the tired clichÃ© 'The book is always better'. The movie left out quite a lot, such as the teen runaway that accompanies Lewellyn on his trip to El Paso; but the movie captured the maudlin tone of the book. Many have commented on the odd ending of the movie; and the book is the same way. The book was an engrossing cat-and-mouse chase, but bogged down in the end. The somber ending of the movie captured the theme of the book, that the good does not always vanquish the evil.
The Coen Brothers are great artists, and when I heard they where doing this film, I knew they'd do a great job. And they did. They deserve the Oscars they've won. All the performances were spot on. I just find it odd that it was the best movie of 2007. Is this movie in the same league as "The Godfather", "The Lost Weekend", "Schindler's List", et al? Regardless of my opinion, it is now. Must have been a mediocre year, I guess.
As for Cormac McCarthy; I think he's a good writer, but some of his books (i.e. 'Blood Meridian'), were boring to me, but his greatest achievement, "The Road" will soon be a film. It is one of the most emotionally devastating and powerful literary experiences I've ever had. If it's done right, it too will be an Oscar contender. I'm on pins and needles waiting for that film, but I have doubts that it will be as good as the book. If the Coen Brothers were directing it, I might have higher hopes. Wait and see, I guess.