Fantastic film. So many scenes that at first glace seem complete un-needed that have such a significant impact when you look back.
Can understand how some people are a little upset at the ending. For me, I enjoy a more open ending, but this version did seem to drag on a little too far.
Can understand how some people are a little upset at the ending.
I was!! :-(
Really good film though, excellent characters and very tense storyline. Some really nice and subtle funny parts too. Nice to see Kelly McDonald play a Texan so well and a good Woody Harrelson cameo too!
Pleased you enjoyed the film, PGE. The ending is contentious, but I like it; it’s a reflective pause after the intensity that has gone before (and I’m talking about that cattle gun). It's all still swirling round my head now.
Technically brilliant, I don't think I could ever call it "engaging" although I would take little persuasion to call it "overlong".
Rather than Charlie Varrick, I was reminded of Psycho - money / motel / weirdo. / blood
The set pieces were excellent - the opening with Brolin discovering the start of the mystery. The film is, by necessity, repetitive - underlining the routine nature of the hitman - Javier Bardem (with the least flattering hair in any film for a long time). The suspense is truly gripping, although there are a couple of major problems that probably don't matter in the book - most of the major characters are not that likeable, so it is hard to sympathise (Kelly Macdonald - as the wide - and Tommy Lee Jones excepted). Lee Jones as the sheriff is underused, but brings a real sense of normality when he is onscreen.
The real Coen moment for me is the mariachi band in Mexico (if it was a mariachi band).
I expected more - but I have seen far worse. if you like being scared - go see it.
The Psycho comparison is a good one. The way the main protagonist changes (in the case of No Country For Old Men rather closer to the end) is a great filmmaking device and really throws you off your guard.
Chris Nolan's second Batman picture and Heath Ledger's swan song make for truly epic viewing. Click for Film editor Chris' review and tell us what you think