You Don't Have to Do This

Rating: 9/10 (14 November 2007)

Greetings again from the darkness. Far and away my most anticipated film of the year, "No Country ..." does not disappoint. So many are complaining about the ending. Personally, I couldn't care less. The journey made this one fulfilling and extraordinarily satisfying. It is remarkable film making from the Coen Brothers, who stay faithful to the source material while injecting their own style and fiendish touches.
In the mode of "Blood Simple" this film moves along at a torcherous pace and offers up some of the most gut-wrenching, tense scenes ever filmed. The visual aspects of the desolate Texas countryside (actually New Mexico) compliments the isolation of each of the three main characters: Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem and Josh Brolin. Additionally, one must enjoy the amazing sound production here from the smallest of details (coin flip) to the surround sound overload of Bardem's air gun.
The acting is among the best we will ever see on film. Tommy Lee Jones' hang dog face is so perfect as the dry and sly witted sheriff. Even the way he seems defeated by good news is purely a pro in action. Javier Bardem is not as well known to American film audiences, but to understand his greatness, check out "The Sea Inside". His Beatles haircut and stoic evilness are chilling to watch as he holds true to his code and his mission. He defines relentless, even through the final scene. Although the film is filled with terrific performances, Josh Brolin really stands out. This man is certainly on a career roll right now thanks to "Grindhouse" and "American Gangster". Here he is just an everyday guy who stumbles on a drug deal gone way bad. His own personal code ends up creating havoc in an otherwise bland world. Just the way he moves is tells us all we need to know about his thoughts.
Each of these very different men stay true to their own code. They are true blue men who lead very different lives but in their heart know there is one right way to be a man. Just great stuff from great filmmakers. I haven't even mentioned the supporting cast with Barry Corbin, Tess Harper, Woody Harrelson and Kelly Macdonald. We just couldn't ask for anymore for the cast or the filmmakers. So whine about the ending if you must ... me, I am just thankful for this work of art.