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 ...

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... 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 © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). 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 (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


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