.. from the home of the neverending weekend ..

Sunday, March 16, 2008

No Country For Old Men - mini Movie Review

"No Country For Old Men"
(synopsis & trailer)


Ever since I first watched 'Raising Arizona' I've been a fan of the Coen brothers. I later found out that the things I liked about that movie were trademarks that they used in all their movies. Strong, well developed and introspective actor roles, well written interesting stories and really engaging cinematography. Why 'Raising Arizona' may not have been the best first foray into Coen territory is that that movie was perhaps a slightly more comedic,.. slightly more fast paced film then their usual. Even though I continued to enjoy the quirky character driven movies these auteurs made they tended to be a little too slowly tempo'd for my liking. Well, No Country For Old Men has rekindled my admiration of the Coen craft.

Don't get me wrong, this had all the traits of what you've come to expect from a Coens production but either the Coens' film making is evolving or I'm maturing (most likely the latter) because I didn't find myself waiting for things to happen.

A captivating multi-layered story, very interesting, believable characters (including the minor roles), excellent directing... no wonder it was nominated for 8 academy awards and recipient of best supporting actor, best screenplay (adapted), best directing and best motion picture.

I didn't really know of the movie until the academy awards news started to leak out. I also didn't really understand the title but now after watching the movie I remember the appreciation I had for directors like the Coens who took time to intertwine and look after the details.

(*possible SPOILER*)
I have to say even though I understand and appreciate (and probably learn to appreciate more as time passes) the ending I am a product of the Hollywood machine and expect a certain type of conclusion. But that's a small gripe.

I give this an enthusiastic 8.5/10 and a big multi 'thumbs-up'.



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2 Comments:

  • I know a guy who was in that movie.

    Bet you really think I am cool now, no?

    Of course, I haven't had time to actually see the movie, but I know the guy.

    By Blogger Mike, At March 19, 2008 3:44 PM  

  • as you can see by my 'thumbs up' i would recommend watching it. seeing your friend is a bonus. keep in mind there are very violent sequences.

    By Blogger simply j., At March 19, 2008 4:54 PM  

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