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Bleak at Best
No Country For Old Men
Review by Ross Anthony

Perhaps, I'm out of the loop. Perhaps, I'm missing the higher meaning, the artistic twist, the bold filmmaking move. I really think I am missing it, because I'm a big fan of the Coens. But, I've got to say, I'm not much appreciating this picture.

The big reason for that, is that I like film's that climax powerfully -- either emotionally or even with action -- or both. But "No Country" climaxes with neither. As best I can tell the climactic scene has been surgically removed from the production. I'm not kidding, I'm not being metaphoric, I am being literal. There's pretty good build, excellent tension in spots, an engaging story, the arc heads up towards -- towards -- towards? And then resolution. Where did my climactic scene go? It's as if the Coens made a bet that they could do it, that they were brave enough to release a film without a climax. Or perhaps, stubbornly wanted to make a point. Apparently other critics are impressed with that point. Me? I'm not, I like my climax sandwiched strongly between my build and resolution. That said, I enjoyed ...

ross books

... Llewel's brief talks with himself at night. I liked the exchanges between the old Sheriffs -- of which there wasn't enough. Actually, I thought it would be great if Andy Griffith was cast in the Tommy Lee Jones role. But, I suppose he's a tad old for it, and Tommy's a fine actor. Loved the jug of water scene.

-- Book Contest --


  • No Country For Old Men. Copyright © 2007.
  • Starring Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Kelly MacDonald, Woody Harrelson, Stephen Root.
  • Directed Joel Coen, Ethan Coen.
  • Screenplay Joel Coen, Ethan Coen.
  • Produced Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, Scott Rudin.

Grade..........................B- (1.5/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2008. In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Ross Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Ross has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over thirty countries. He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (coast to coast). To get signed books by Ross or schedule him to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186.

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Last Modified: Monday, 04-Feb-2008 08:54:12 PST