No Country for Old Men

[thepaulo]

seeing it tonight......

[patsopinion]

seeing it tonight......

it looks fucking sweet

[MadMatt]

I was in L.A. this weekend and they were premiering this movie in Hollywood. It was at the El Capitan theater. I saw Hugh Laurie (Dr. House from TV)!

My cousin is "in the industry" and says "No Country..." is getting really good buzz. Hell, it's a Coen Brothers movie so how can it NOT be good.

[bigredd]

I CAN'T WAIT to see it. Having the big ass TV and all that I don't go to the theatre very much but I will this weekend.

[TheGameHHH]

does it come out this weekend? cause if so im going

[TheMojoPin]

Already a thread...and I already saw it two weeks ago here in Chi-town for free with a Josh Brolin Q&A. (http://ronfez.net/forums/showthread.php?t=60184)

It really is outstanding. I'm not sure if it's my favorite Coen Bros. film...probably not, since it's an adaptation and their original works are so damn impressive, but this is right up there into the top 3. I really like that some of the TV trailers are playing up the comedy aspect of this film. It's very tense and brutal but, like most of their other films, it is laugh out loud funny at parts. Very, very, VERY dark gallows humor, obviously, but they balance it with the tension so well. Josh Brolin's character is really funny at just the right moments, and the film is packed with so many great character actors that add so much to everything they say and do. There better be some Oscar nominations from this, especially for Tommy Lee Jones and ESPECIALLY Javier Bardem, though everyone in the film is outstanding and perfectly cast.

[epo]

Already a thread...and I already saw it two weeks ago here in Chi-town for free with a Josh Brolin Q&A. (http://ronfez.net/forums/showthread.php?t=60184)

It really is outstanding. I'm not sure if it's my favorite Coen Bros. film...probably not, since it's an adaptation and their original works are so damn impressive, but this is right up there into the top 3. I really like that some of the TV trailers are playing up the comedy aspect of this film. It's very tense and brutal but, like most of their other films, it is laugh out loud funny at parts. Very, very, VERY dark gallows humor, obviously, but they balance it with the tension so well. Josh Brolin's character is really funny at just the right moments, and the film is packed with so many great character actors that add so much to everything they say and do. There better be some Oscar nominations from this, especially for Tommy Lee Jones and ESPECIALLY Javier Bardem, though everyone in the film is outstanding and perfectly cast.

I am so jealous that you've seen this film already. First the Cubs steal the NL Central & now this? Damn you Mojo!

[TheMojoPin]

I am so jealous that you've seen this film already. First the Cubs steal the NL Central & now this? Damn you Mojo!

Hopefully the fate of this film ends up at least a little bit sunnier than the Cubs'.

[BMoses]

Hopefully the fate of this film ends up at least a little bit sunnier than the Cubs'.

HA Losers!!!

[suggums]

i still haven't read it, but since i do judge a book by its cover, no country for old men had a pretty evocative one

http://library.ucsc.edu/collect/recommended/images/0375406778.jpg



the movie poster was obviously influenced by it but basically sucks

http://www.toxicshock.tv/news/wp-content/uploads/no_country_for_old_men_coen.jpg

still want to see it, but should probably read it as well

[TheMojoPin]

still want to see it, but should probably read it as well

You're safe reading anything by him. He's an amazing author.

[suggums]

You're safe reading anything by him. He's an amazing author.

yeah i read the road, it crushed me, so ill definitely be returning at some point when i start buying more books or use the library. not having a discount sucks

[TheMojoPin]

yeah i read the road, it crushed me, so ill definitely be returning at some point when i start buying more books or use the library. not having a discount sucks

Super discount week coming up a month from now. Good times...

[EddieMoscone]

I'm not usually a nerd like this, but this is a 1st night of release viewing for me.

[barjockey]

Just finished the book really dug it

[derrickgott007]

It was at the El Capitan theater.

That place is one awesome movie theater! Saw the last Pirates of the Caribeean there... The ornate detail work in the place makes you miss the theaters of old.

[TeeBone]

Already a thread...and I already saw it two weeks ago here in Chi-town for free with a Josh Brolin Q&A. (http://ronfez.net/forums/showthread.php?t=60184)

OK, you win......Jesus!
Look everyone, Pin saw it first....Yeah!!!!!!!!!

[thepaulo]

I was very frightened and like most people I don't get frightened at horror movies anymore. This is not a horror movie. It's too real.
In No Country for Old Men there are vistas of the west over which a lawman spoke about the way things use to be. In the next few moments there were three acts of violence. Then shortly after that, a lot of dead bodies.
Fans of good movies and good books already have a general idea of what they have in store. Everybody who really loves movies loves the Coen brothers and those who love good books love Cormac McCarthy, so joining the two is a great marriage. Then add Tommy Lee Jones to the marriage and you know you're going to get a hard on. But wait, there's more. Javier Bardem and Josh Brolin both give career defining performances. Woody Harrelson is better than he has been in years.
There are those of us who like westerens and those of us who like Film Noir. This is a Noir Western. It may not be the first Noir Western, but it is easily one of the best. Films from the past like Ace in the Hole and Bad Day at Black Rock show the vast expanses and the harsh realities of the modern world and the criminal madness that exists today.
No Country for Old Men has been called a return to form for the Coen brothers and that is true, but not like some people think. This goes back to their first film, Blood Simple, not the somewhat sillier, Fargo. The comedy in No Country in Old Men is dry and understated and does not try to be what they call comic relief. There is no relief in this film. This film is sheer tension, suspense and terror, but the pace is deliberate, even leisurely. Don't expect scenes of extended gun play. The violence is coming all the time and when it come it moves on with nonchalance.
The movie is faithful to the book with all it's ambivalence and confusion intact. There is much to ponder and much uncertainty. The Coen's could have tarted up the ending, but they didn't. Their approach is austere and serious as the book. I won't say the Coen brothers have grown up, because they were always grown. They seemed smart at the start. It's just now they seem like wise old men. 91 out of 100

[Chigworthy]

Paulo, any buzz on the upcoming McCarthy flicks Blood Meridian and The Road? Blood Meridian is my favorite McCarthy book, and The Road was none too shabby either. I would like to see Outer Dark filmized by the right people. Then again, I would like to see every McCarthy work made if it was done well.

[thepaulo]

Blood Meridian - director Ridley Scott
The Road - director John Hillcoat (only film of note is the cool Aussie western The Proposition)

so we can only wait patiently and have hope and enjoy the gifts we've just been given....

[TheMojoPin]

Blood Meridian - director Ridley Scott
The Road

Awful, awful pairing.

- director John Hillcoat (only film of note is the cool Aussie western The Proposition)

Perfect pairing.

[Marc with a c]

i was all pumped up to see this tonight, and it isn't playing in the city, apparently it is only playing out in astoria. what the fuck?

i went and saw 'lars and the real girl' instead at the paris theatre, good place (i'd never been).

fuck astoria.

[MikeB]

i was all pumped up to see this tonight, and it isn't playing in the city, apparently it is only playing out in astoria. what the fuck?

i went and saw 'lars and the real girl' instead at the paris theatre, good place (i'd never been).

fuck astoria.

Yea the thing is playing no where.

[Marc with a c]

It's out tonight in a couple theatres in manhattan.

See you there.

[zentraed]

i was all pumped up to see this tonight, and it isn't playing in the city, apparently it is only playing out in astoria. what the fuck?

i went and saw 'lars and the real girl' instead at the paris theatre, good place (i'd never been).

fuck astoria.

I was pumped to see this today. I was even going to sneak out of the office and watch it at lunch time, but it's not playing here yet. Is it just limited release this week? Maybe I'll finally catch "The Assasination of Jesse James...". It's playing at our crappy art house cinema.

[MellySmelly]

This must be more of a man type of film, because I give it 5 yawns.

Same exact story line as 500 other movies. I love Tommy Lee Jones and was really hopeful that I would like this, but I was bored. Maybe it was the two hour runtime and my short attention span.

[chubbyknuckles]

This must be more of a man type of film, because I give it 5 yawns.

Same exact story line as 500 other movies. I love Tommy Lee Jones and was really hopeful that I would like this, but I was bored. Maybe it was the two hour runtime and my short attention span.

Hery to each their own, but I def thought it was a great film, the suspense was rediculous!!! Def their best work.

[thepaulo]

MellySmelly...you bitch.....I ain't taking you to anymore screenings.

[MellySmelly]

I was getting tired of that dick in the popcorn box trick anyway.

[MikeB]

two weeks until I see it. What a joke. Why roll out a film by them this slow.

[Annie Waits]

hey paulo, where do you go see your movies? i'm in the tampa area and wondering where you go see all your oh-so-cool movies

[LiddyRules]

Saw it tonight and thought it was fantastic.

[thepaulo]

ledouski....you'll have to send a private message.....

as far as the movie goes we'll have to have an eventual discussion about a series of scenes in the final 30 minutes which I don't have solid answers for....so I suppose we'll have to start posting spoiler alerts.

[Marc with a c]

I enjoyed it so so much.

I want to go again.

[thepaulo]

again with the slow roll out, we'll have to wait a couple of weeks to unravel the last half hour.....so we don't spoil it for people who have to wait for wider openings.

[led37zep]

again with the slow roll out, we'll have to wait a couple of weeks to unravel the last half hour.....so we don't spoil it for people who have to wait for wider openings.

Eww. I like em tight.

[thepaulo]

spoiler alert.....














well not really because I'll just be asking questions but I would assume after this point people who haven't seen the movie should stop reading.
1. whose body is in the morgue?
2.why does tommy lee jones stare so long at the reflection in the lock?

[TheMojoPin]

Have you read the book?

[thepaulo]

No.....
But in case like this, it works to my advantage because a number of the images in the final half hour are deliberately vague.....The morgue was an extreme long shot......
the reflection in the lock indistinct. Obviously the last half hour needs multiple viewings.

We can discuss the book later but, right now we have what the film presents....which is a mystery.

[thepaulo]

up to this point, I'm only asking very specific questions that do not reveal much....but I'm sure as more people see the movie we'll have to start discussing what actually happened so again...warning..... spoiler alert ahead.

[Furtherman]

I read at the New York premiere of this movie, at the after party, no one would talk to Javier Bardem because his performance was that creepy.

Awesome. I'm sold.

[LiddyRules]

I read at the New York premiere of this movie, at the after party, no one would talk to Javier Bardem because his performance was that creepy.

Awesome. I'm sold. Originally I was thinking Tom Wilkinson should get a best supporting actor nomination for Michael Clayton. Now I'm all aboard the Javier Bardem train, at the very least he deserves a nomination.

And Josh Brolin? Who knew.

Something else I didn't realize until halfway through was there was like no music.

[boonanas]

I give this movie 5/5 stars. Fucking beautiful. Javier Bardem's character may be one of the heaviest villains of all time.

[davidb72]

Not opening out here until the 21st!

This sucks! :(

[Yerdaddy]

Originally Posted by thepaulo
Blood Meridian - director Ridley Scott
The RoadAwful, awful pairing.

How so? I thought that about him and Black Hawk Down but he came through big time. He seems perfect for a smart violent film like this.

[TheMojoPin]

How so? I thought that about him and Black Hawk Down but he came through big time. He seems perfect for a smart violent film like this.

McCarthy's books, while very bleak and violent, are also incredibly personal and intimate (though BM, hur-hur, has some big scenes)...the exact opposite of Scott's directorial style in the last 20 years. Maybe he'll suddenly remember he's the guy who directed Alien and Blade Runner, because then he'd be perfect for it. His films over the last two decades, however, indidcate otherwise...his movies just end up being overblown and huge and glossy...good popcorn entertainment. I've enjoyed several of his movies from that time period, but having read the McCarthy books, I just don't see him meshing at all and really being able to adapt them. His movies in the last 20 years are just always cut and dry in terms of strictly defining good and bad or tacking on some kind of really hamfisted moral message, which just doesn't jive with McCarthy's books at all.

[Chigworthy]

I've got a terrible suspicion that the violence that the Comanches commit is going to be lessened or nonexistant, while the violence of Judge Holden and his gang is left in full. That being said, I can't wait to see the slaughter on the shore of the lake. It's a scene that should translate well to film and be completely shocking.

[scottinnj]

i still haven't read it, but since i do judge a book by its cover, no country for old men had a pretty evocative one

http://library.ucsc.edu/collect/recommended/images/0375406778.jpg



the movie poster was obviously influenced by it but basically sucks

http://www.toxicshock.tv/news/wp-content/uploads/no_country_for_old_men_coen.jpg

still want to see it, but should probably read it as well

When was this written? I swear I read this when I was a kid, and if is it's the same book,
this should be the best film the Coen boys have ever done.

[Chigworthy]

It was published in 2005, so you are a very young and advanced reader. And a cop hater.

[Yerdaddy]

McCarthy's books, while very bleak and violent, are also incredibly personal and intimate (though BM, hur-hur, has some big scenes)...the exact opposite of Scott's directorial style in the last 20 years. Maybe he'll suddenly remember he's the guy who directed Alien and Blade Runner, because then he'd be perfect for it. His films over the last two decades, however, indidcate otherwise...his movies just end up being overblown and huge and glossy...good popcorn entertainment. I've enjoyed several of his movies from that time period, but having read the McCarthy books, I just don't see him meshing at all and really being able to adapt them. His movies in the last 20 years are just always cut and dry in terms of strictly defining good and bad or tacking on some kind of really hamfisted moral message, which just doesn't jive with McCarthy's books at all.

I was shocked when I just looked at a list of his movies how few of them I've seen recently. That being said, I think Black Hawk Down was personal and objective in a way I thought it should have been - but never expected to be until I actually saw it. Thelma & Louise was intensely personal while not detracting from the buddy/road movie genre and adapting it to female leads. I didn't buy American Gangster the other day because the store owner said the quality was shit but he should have a better copy by now.

I'm optimistic about Scott doing this. I even think his brother could pull it off.

[TheMojoPin]

I've got a terrible suspicion that the violence that the Comanches commit is going to be lessened or nonexistant, while the violence of Judge Holden and his gang is left in full. That being said, I can't wait to see the slaughter on the shore of the lake. It's a scene that should translate well to film and be completely shocking.

I'd imagine that it's a safe bet that we won't see the tree of dead babies, too.

[TheMojoPin]

I was shocked when I just looked at a list of his movies how few of them I've seen recently. That being said, I think Black Hawk Down was personal and objective in a way I thought it should have been - but never expected to be until I actually saw it. Thelma & Louise was intensely personal while not detracting from the buddy/road movie genre and adapting it to female leads. I didn't buy American Gangster the other day because the store owner said the quality was shit but he should have a better copy by now.

I'm optimistic about Scott doing this. I even think his brother could pull it off.

Yeah, again, I definitely enjoy watching most of his films, TaL and BHD included, but if you look at both of those, and AG, he did what I was talking about...tried too hard to make things easier defined as "good and bad." I thought he simplified way too much of BHD and cleaned up a bunch of the American soldiers...now, I definitely liked the movie overall, but I just keep seeing these things that really makes him seem wrong for this particular author.

[JimBeam]

I watched the redband trailer last night and it looks even better than the regular one.

I didn't read every post word for word so this may have already been answered but is the movie much different from the book ?

Thinking of going to get the book and reading it before I see the film.

[TheMojoPin]

I didn't read every post word for word so this may have already been answered but is the movie much different from the book ?

A few changes here and there, but overall it's very faithful, especially with the dialogue.

[GreatAmericanZero]

saw the movie yesterday, best movie of the year. I never had so many "jumps" in a movie theater. And the villain was so terrifying, ive never seen a scarier villain. he made hannibal lecture look like such a homo. SEE THIS MOVIE WHILE YOU CAN!

[moochcassidy]

anybody found this streamed yet?

[scottinnj]

It was published in 2005, so you are a very young and advanced reader. And a cop hater.



Not the same one then. I read a book when I was young of two border patrol agents who find a jeep in the desert that had a skeleton and a briefcase full of money. It turned out it was a guy running from drug dealers with some cash, but had been shot while getting away. He died from his wounds in the desert, and the two agents found him, kept the money, and wound up tangling with the same dealers and their hired guns. Great book.
Must of been the mid 80s when I read it, I was around 16 or 17.

[underdog]

I saw this movie with my wife this afternoon. She absolutely loved it, until the end. I'm sort of with her, but the ending has kept me thinking, which I like. I'm not very good at figuring stuff out but :

I think the whole story was basically just about the growth of Tommy Lee Jones's character. At least that's what I've gotten out of it so far.

[drusilla]

i just got back from catching it in astoria. dude was sooooo fucking creepy! this was one of the most intense movies i have ever seen.

I saw this movie with my wife this afternoon. She absolutely loved it, until the end. I'm sort of with her, but the ending has kept me thinking, which I like. I'm not very good at figuring stuff out but :

I think the whole story was basically just about the growth of Tommy Lee Jones's character. At least that's what I've gotten out of it so far.


i think that was what i got out of it as well. i never read the book or anything, but the last half hour of the movie is filled with a whole lotta nothing otherwise.

[thepaulo]

The last half hour is crammed with stuff......but.......
more stuff is purposedly left out......
which creates a mystery to be figured out.
I'm gonna have to see it again.

[TheMojoPin]

I saw this movie with my wife this afternoon. She absolutely loved it, until the end. I'm sort of with her, but the ending has kept me thinking, which I like. I'm not very good at figuring stuff out but :

I think the whole story was basically just about the growth of Tommy Lee Jones's character. At least that's what I've gotten out of it so far.

Yeah, pretty much. Jones' character exists the middle ground between Brolin's and Bardem's characters, and he's actively trying to not move towards or regress down either path. Jones realizes that this series of events is a path/cycle towards damnation.

The ending of the movie is very Biblical, especially in the symbolism of the dream discussed. Think end of the world symbolism. That said, even if you don't go into that, I don't see much of a mystery at all. If anything, it's just certain people thinking clearly.

I just saw the film again, and I was definitely appreciative of how relatively little profanity there is in it. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with people swearing left and right in films, I just like that the Coens respected the source material enough to not feel the need to "blue" it up as they sometimes like to do.

[pittphantoms]

Anyone have a real name on the girl at the pool who asks Josh Brolin if he wants a beer? It looked a lot like Rachael Ray... which would shock me.

[GreatAmericanZero]

Anyone have a real name on the girl at the pool who asks Josh Brolin if he wants a beer? It looked a lot like Rachael Ray... which would shock me.

i dont know who it was, but its not rachel ray

[fezident]

The "soundtrack", for lack of a better word, was PERFECT. Very intimate. It almost felt like we were "spying" on the characters.

Bravo.

[LiddyRules]

Anyone have a real name on the girl at the pool who asks Josh Brolin if he wants a beer? It looked a lot like Rachael Ray... which would shock me.

Ana Reeder, according to the IMDB

http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0715768/

[fezident]

I have a plot-related question. (slight spoiler)

How did Woody Harrelsons character know exactly where to go and where to look for the moneybag the day after Brolin threw if over the fence at US/Mexico crossing?


Was it explained in the movie? Did I miss something???

[thepaulo]

with a little luck a first rate private dick with an unlimited expense account can do just about anything.
But the big mystery for me is what happened in the hotel room at the end.....and now that film is opening everywhere this week....we can get some help.....
It starts with Tommy Lee Jones staring at the reflection in the lock....

[zentraed]

with a little luck a first rate private dick with an unlimited expense account can do just about anything.
But the big mystery for me is what happened in the hotel room at the end.....and now that film is opening everywhere this week....we can get some help.....
It starts with Tommy Lee Jones staring at the reflection in the lock....

I had some trouble with that one too. Maybe he was just imagining it?

[KnoxHarrington]

Yeah, pretty much. Jones' character exists the middle ground between Brolin's and Bardem's characters, and he's actively trying to not move towards or regress down either path. Jones realizes that this series of events is a path/cycle towards damnation.

The ending of the movie is very Biblical, especially in the symbolism of the dream discussed. Think end of the world symbolism. That said, even if you don't go into that, I don't see much of a mystery at all. If anything, it's just certain people thinking clearly.

I just saw the film again, and I was definitely appreciative of how relatively little profanity there is in it. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with people swearing left and right in films, I just like that the Coens respected the source material enough to not feel the need to "blue" it up as they sometimes like to do.

Yeah, but they do a good job working "blue" as well. I mean, I wouldn't lose a single "fuck" from The Big Lebowski.

[fezident]

with a little luck a first rate private dick with an unlimited expense account can do just about anything.
But the big mystery for me is what happened in the hotel room at the end.....and now that film is opening everywhere this week....we can get some help.....
It starts with Tommy Lee Jones staring at the reflection in the lock....


It's interesting. I enjoyed this movie but those two points really kinda bug(ged) me.

Woody somehow knowing EXACTLY where to look for the money really should've been explained. The whole movie is about the money! The bag of money is motivator for every single main character in the movie. For Woody to suddenly know exactly where to find it is a HUGE plot point. One that, in my opinion, should've had an explanation attached to it.

Also, I gotta admit... the ending was rather sudden. I blame myself for not paying very close attention during that last scene. I was still (mentally) settling in for another scene of dialog and -BAM- it was over.

Once everyone has seen it, I look forward to an explanation or two.

[underdog]

Woody somehow knowing EXACTLY where to look for the money really should've been explained. The whole movie is about the money! The bag of money is motivator for every single main character in the movie. For Woody to suddenly know exactly where to find it is a HUGE plot point. One that, in my opinion, should've had an explanation attached to it.

I think he just used common sense, or was just retracing his steps. He knew he didn't bring it into Mexico with him, because he wouldn't have been able to. So he just started at the Mexican gate and went backwards.

He did find him in the hospital in like 3 hours. His character seems to know how these things work.

[epo]

It's interesting. I enjoyed this movie but those two points really kinda bug(ged) me.

Woody somehow knowing EXACTLY where to look for the money really should've been explained. The whole movie is about the money! The bag of money is motivator for every single main character in the movie. For Woody to suddenly know exactly where to find it is a HUGE plot point. One that, in my opinion, should've had an explanation attached to it.

Also, I gotta admit... the ending was rather sudden. I blame myself for not paying very close attention during that last scene. I was still (mentally) settling in for another scene of dialog and -BAM- it was over.

Once everyone has seen it, I look forward to an explanation or two.

I disagree with that sentiment wholeheartedly.

The whole thing is about Tommy Lee Jones's character and his struggles w/history/righteousness/man.

[sailor]

i tried to see it at the palisades mall and the 8:50 showing was sold out. i thought it was out long enough that it would be empty. ugh.

[epo]

i tried to see it at the palisades mall and the 8:50 showing was sold out. i thought it was out long enough that it would be empty. ugh.

I showed up to a showing 20 minutes early in Wisconsin and barely got a seat.....I'm guessing it's a hot ticket.

[underdog]

I disagree with that sentiment wholeheartedly.

The whole thing is about Tommy Lee Jones's character and his struggles w/history/righteousness/man.

I definitely have to agree with you there.

[patsopinion]

91 out of 100

I loved it
fucking intense
everything about it was fucking hard
so fast

i felt like an awful person when i laughed because no one in the theater thought it was funny except for me apparently
blood simple concept meets raising Arizona its def a coen film and i though a lot of people were turned off by lady killers and Intolerable Cruelty and even O'brother where art thou(although i really liked intolerable cruelty and obrother a lot of people didnt)

best movie this year
to bad they cant win for screen play but this should be the number 1 with a bullet come Oscar season

[patsopinion]

Once everyone has seen it, I look forward to an explanation or two.

the movie could be called "this isnt a place that old men do well in" the last scene involves the tommy lee jones character talking about his tired father leaving the country. He sees himself as being illequiped to handel the pressures/responsibilities of what he must do(kill bardem), the wild west needs an active gun slinger that runs full speed into danger (as set up by the conversation between tommy and Stephen Root
that conversation-as far as how the movie ends-is specifically important
referencing how his uncle died in 1908 and his mentality compared to the drive that tommy has at this point in his life

i had a lot of the same issues at that point
i think they turned down the violence towards the end both because we were entering tommys character who just cant handle/isnt ready for that kind action any more

and to get us in the mind set that we should be listening to conversations (as set up by the open) but were as an audince were sooo bombarded that listening kind of sucked and are brains were mush from all the shit weed seen-but again that would serve to even more make us sympathetic towards the main characters
making in brilliant
fucking brilliant

[Reynolds]

It's interesting. I enjoyed this movie but those two points really kinda bug(ged) me.

Woody somehow knowing EXACTLY where to look for the money really should've been explained. The whole movie is about the money! The bag of money is motivator for every single main character in the movie. For Woody to suddenly know exactly where to find it is a HUGE plot point. One that, in my opinion, should've had an explanation attached to it.

Also, I gotta admit... the ending was rather sudden. I blame myself for not paying very close attention during that last scene. I was still (mentally) settling in for another scene of dialog and -BAM- it was over.

Once everyone has seen it, I look forward to an explanation or two.

Thought it was obvious he followed a blood trail to find the bag. He also could of heard something from the kids he got the jacket from. It just strengthened the point that he was known as being great at what he did, but in the end failed, just like the other main characters.

The last scene, although I knew the movie was going to end suddenly, also surprised me. I wish I paid more attention too. Easier to take in dialogue better with an at home viewing though, so I guess I'll have to wait.

[fezident]

THANKS MUD!
You're probably right!
I didn't see him following the blood but, yeah... that's definitely how he found the bag.


I was kinda shocked to see him walk with such purpose -and stop- directly at the exact spot where Brolin ditched the cash. If he was following the blood, he practically had a map!

Thanks.

[JimBeam]

I'm stuck on whether to go see it or not.

I wanted to read the book first because I figured it'd be more engrossing that way but I'm in the middle of doing some reading for a test and don't have the time to do both and I fear that by the time I get around to reading the book the movie will be out of the theater.

I'm off tomorrow from work so there's a good chance I'll wind up and going to see it ( by myself of all things because the wife won't go see it ).

[fezident]

Jim... ya gotta go!
It has such a quiet & creepy feel. Really unique.

Besides...the longer you wait, the higher your expectations might rise. If you wait for the DVD, ya might be a little let down.
Go tonight and then you can explain the very very end of the movie to me. As I said earlier, I guess I wasn't paying sharp attention when it ended and I missed the last few lines of crucial dialog.

Screw this.
I'm gonna see it again.

[patsopinion]

Jim... ya gotta go!
It has such a quiet & creepy feel. Really unique.

Besides...the longer you wait, the higher your expectations might rise. If you wait for the DVD, ya might be a little let down.
Go tonight and then you can explain the very very end of the movie to me. As I said earlier, I guess I wasn't paying sharp attention when it ended and I missed the last few lines of crucial dialog.

Screw this.
I'm gonna see it again.

yea i think im going to go for a second show of it
and i havent done that since i was like 7

[HBox]

THANKS MUD!
You're probably right!
I didn't see him following the blood but, yeah... that's definitely how he found the bag.


I was kinda shocked to see him walk with such purpose -and stop- directly at the exact spot where Brolin ditched the cash. If he was following the blood, he practically had a map!

Thanks.

Since Moss stood there and bled out there for a while Wells could see more blood there than the rest of the trail. There was nothing else there so Wells knew he stopped there for a reason.

[fezident]

Yup. Exactly.
I honestly don't know how something so obvious eluded me. Brain fart.




My brother went to see a 7pm showing on Saturday and it was sold out. I guess this movie is gonna have a nice slow-grow. And then there's the DVD action. Solid success for such quiet little movie. I love when that happens. (see also: Requiem For A Dream.... Shawshank....)

[Slumbag]

Yeah, I finally made it to see this Friday afternoon. Really fucking good. I didn't really feel the Tommy Lee Jones character, though. The last 10 or 15 minutes seemed to kind of drag. I also hadn't slept in 24 hours at that point and perhaps missed something. I didn't really understand the conversation he had with his dad's old partner.

[epo]

Yeah, I finally made it to see this Friday afternoon. Really fucking good. I didn't really feel the Tommy Lee Jones character, though. The last 10 or 15 minutes seemed to kind of drag. I also hadn't slept in 24 hours at that point and perhaps missed something. I didn't really understand the conversation he had with his dad's old partner.

The conversation with the old man is an explanation of why he is quitting rather than chasing/capturing Anton, despite the fact that the whole incident causes him to be haunted in his dreams by him.

Pay attention to when Sheriff Bell asks Ellis what "he would do if that guy ever got out of prison". That's Bell asking him if the chase is worth it.

[patsopinion]

Yeah, I finally made it to see this Friday afternoon. Really fucking good. I didn't really feel the Tommy Lee Jones character, though. The last 10 or 15 minutes seemed to kind of drag. I also hadn't slept in 24 hours at that point and perhaps missed something. I didn't really understand the conversation he had with his dad's old partner.

apparently thats the way your supposed to feel about the ending
their are fucking with the viewers at the end

how great is that

[TheMojoPin]

apparently thats the way your supposed to feel about the ending

What?

their are fucking with the viewers at the end

What?

[sefskillz]

The conversation with the old man is an explanation of why he is quitting rather than chasing/capturing Anton, despite the fact that the whole incident causes him to be haunted in his dreams by him.

Pay attention to when Sheriff Bell asks Ellis what "he would do if that guy ever got out of prison". That's Bell asking him if the chase is worth it.
im not so sure i agree with bell not wanting to 'chase'. looking at the title, bell's visit with ellis and especially the ending sequence where he's trying to find something to do around the house and everything is done, so all that is left is to discuss dreams with his lady friend. this isn't where bell wanted to be. im convinced he imagined anton in that room by seeing his reflection in the lock, he went in with his back to the door, because he wanted anton to shoot him and go out with some respect. not dwindle away alone like ellis.

[The Jays]

Yeah, I think this movie was good until the ending left me with my dick in my hand and no chance to bust a nut. I don't care if this was no country for old men, don't let me hear about some old guy bitching how he can't catch a mother fucker, sic his deputy on the fucker, or get the feds involved, don't be a pussy and sit down to dinner with your bitch and lament how much you suck at catching bad guys.

[TheMojoPin]

*Ahem*

HE CAN'T BE STOPPED.

[Furtherman]

Look, there are movies where the bad guy gets his due at the end. All wrapped up nicely tied with a catchphrase. They're out there, they're everywhere.

And then there are movies that are closer to the truth, where life kicks you in the nuts and you're lost and no where near happy. That's what makes this movie so great.

[zentraed]

best movie this year
to bad they cant win for screen play but this should be the number 1 with a bullet come Oscar season

Best Adapted Screenplay?

[epo]

Yeah, I think this movie was good until the ending left me with my dick in my hand and no chance to bust a nut. I don't care if this was no country for old men, don't let me hear about some old guy bitching how he can't catch a mother fucker, sic his deputy on the fucker, or get the feds involved, don't be a pussy and sit down to dinner with your bitch and lament how much you suck at catching bad guys.

Then go watch one of the Die Hard movies.

[Reynolds]

I downloaded a bootleg copy just to replay the scene with Javier Bardem in the country store. (The coin toss scene) He better at least be nominated for an oscar. I think I watched that scene 20 times already.

[MellySmelly]

I downloaded a bootleg copy just to replay the scene with Javier Bardem in the country store. (The coin toss scene) He better at least be nominated for an oscar. I think I watched that scene 20 times already.
You and Paulo can reenact the scene tomorrow when we meet up. :tongue:

[patsopinion]

I downloaded a bootleg copy just to replay the scene with Javier Bardem in the country store. (The coin toss scene) He better at least be nominated for an oscar. I think I watched that scene 20 times already.

one of the finniest things ever

[TheMojoPin]

I can't stop calling people "friendo."

[patsopinion]

now that i think about his voice and delivery is very similar to silence of the lambs

[TheMojoPin]

now that i think about his voice and delivery is very similar to silence of the lambs

Buffalo Bill sounded pretty retarded.

[patsopinion]

Buffalo Bill sounded pretty retarded.

its the same level and the same cadence
only without the lisp

[Reynolds]

You and Paulo can reenact the scene tomorrow when we meet up. :tongue:

Great, now I feel like I have to study lines... Is someone going to call me if I'm still invited? Im kinda dressed like a dirtbag right now.

[badorties]

i saw it last night, and i loved it

when i left the movie, and reading some of the reactions here, the movie reminded me of what made the sopranos so great: there's a salacious, gripping plot as a foundation; but as the piece progresses, there's a more subtle (main) story that forces the hero to come to terms (or at least face) his mortalitly and purpose in a changing world

[thepaulo]

we just had a little Ronfez south convention today at the Hooters and mudeater gave a very good summary to the last half hour....nobody wins.

[TheGameHHH]

we just had a little Ronfez south convention today at the Hooters and mudeater gave a very good summary to the last half hour....nobody wins.

ill give an even better summary of the last half hour, it sucked. yes, im johnny come lately here but i finally got around to seeing this movie tonight and it was pretty bad in my opinion. what was the point of the car accident at the end? why didn't we get to see lewellen get shot? was woodys character even necessary? the movie could have wrapped up at the hour and a half mark yet they decided to drag the film out. easily my least favorite cohen brothers movie, i was very disappointed. maybe i just went into the movie expecting too much.

[TheMojoPin]

what was the point of the car accident at the end?

It works on several levels. It works to show that Chigurh is almost unstoppable, but at the same time he is vulnerbale. It happens after he kills Carla Jean, which he clearly did without letting her call the toss like he promised. In books and films, typically if a character violates their own moral or honor code, they pay for it. He kills her violating his own code, and the car crash is retribution. It shows that he can't control everything, even though he thinks he can.

why didn't we get to see lewellen get shot?

He is essentially inconsequential by the time he dies. Moss is basically like Janet Leigh in Psycho...you think he's the main character, but he's not. He's the setup for the actual main character whose arc we're going to be following...Sheriff Bell. By the time he is killed, the focus of the film has shifted away from him, so we find out about it through the characters that are the focal points. All that matters to the rest of the plot in terms of his character at that point is that he dies.

was woodys character even necessary?

If you wanted to make the film completely bare bones, no, he's not, but he serves to build up Chigurh as this force for death, both in his description of him and that he is eventually killed by Chigurh, despite being a "professional."

Dude, slap spoiler tags on your post. This movie is still new.

[TheGameHHH]

It works on several levels. It works to show that Chigurh is almost unstoppable, but at the same time he is vulnerbale. It happens after he kills Carla Jean, which he clearly did without letting her call the toss like he promised. In books and films, typically if a character violates their own moral or honor code, they pay for it. He kills her violating his own code, and the car crash is retribution. It shows that he can't control everything, even though he thinks he can.



He is essentially inconsequential by the time he dies. Moss is basically like Janet Leigh in Psycho...you think he's the main character, but he's not. He's the setup for the actual main character whose arc we're going to be following...Sheriff Bell. By the time he is killed, the focus of the film has shifted away from him, so we find out about it through the characters that are the focal points. All that matters to the rest of the plot in terms of his character at that point is that he dies.



If you wanted to make the film completely bare bones, no, he's not, but he serves to build up Chigurh as this force for death, both in his description of him and that he is eventually killed by Chigurh, despite being a "professional."

Dude, slap spoiler tags on your post. This movie is still new.

shit, my bad. i thought this movie was on the end of its run in theaters. i just figured everybody had seen it already and i was one of the last people that didn't. theres still so much more i wanna debate on this but i refuse to do it through spoiler tags.

[HBox]

shit, my bad. i thought this movie was on the end of its run in theaters. i just figured everybody had seen it already and i was one of the last people that didn't. theres still so much more i wanna debate on this but i refuse to do it through spoiler tags.

You hate spoiler tags because they are black don't you, you filthy racist.

[thepaulo]

the black boxes scare me.

[waltermitty]

Anyone read the book?

I'm two thirds of the way through it and I've found it 99% the same as the movie.
I guess the Cohen Brothers recognized the genius and kept it basically word for word.

(now Ill finish the book and it will be completely different and I'll feel dumb.. oh well)

[underdog]

Dude, slap spoiler tags on your post. This movie is still new.

Why would people be reading the No Country For Old Men thread if they haven't seen the movie? I know spoiler tags aren't that hard, but if I haven't watched something, I'm not going to go into the thread for it.

[thepaulo]

both of you have good points so you cancel each other out.

[thepaulo]

I've gone over the script online and seen the film more than once and now feel confident I know everything there is to know.
The only problem is you are not told everything in the last 20 minutes and even if you see it twenty times you yourself will have to provide your own answers to exacxtly what happens and what it means.

[boonanas]

This movie needs repeat viewings to fully appreciate it.

At first I didn't know why Chigurh rented out that room at the Regal Hotel, and why he was looking around in it. But it was too measure up how the rooms look so he can effectively take out whoever was in the room where the money was, which was an army of Messicans.

Does anyone know what the Mexican in the shower was saying before Chigurh closed the curtain and shot him? Was he saying "Don't shoot."? Because it felt like the well-dressed Mexican that followed Carla Jean and her mother was saying the same thing in the car before he actually asked them where they're going.

[deliciousV]

I've been kinda havin a little pre pre Oscar , all the big buzz films, viewing party today. I watched "No Country" and "Before The Devil" and really enjoyed both. The quality of the acting in both films is undeniable, but........ I watched "Gone Baby Gone" a few days ago and I gotta say I am dissapointed that it has fallen off of everybody's list, its every bit as strong as these other two films and actually stuck with me a little longer. I saw it alone, then had to see it again with my wife just so I'd have somebody to talk to about it. I think PaulO shoulda stuck to his guns when he was lovin on "Gone"

[thepaulo]

Things have been crazy on the show the last few weeks so I didn't even do my top ten because of that bitch Roland causing a ruckus....
anyway still feeling the love for Gone Baby Gone and it's high on the list.

[MadMatt]

It works on several levels. It works to show that Chigurh is almost unstoppable, but at the same time he is vulnerbale. It happens after he kills Carla Jean, which he clearly did without letting her call the toss like he promised. In books and films, typically if a character violates their own moral or honor code, they pay for it. He kills her violating his own code, and the car crash is retribution. It shows that he can't control everything, even though he thinks he can.

He is essentially inconsequential by the time he dies. Moss is basically like Janet Leigh in Psycho...you think he's the main character, but he's not. He's the setup for the actual main character whose arc we're going to be following...Sheriff Bell. By the time he is killed, the focus of the film has shifted away from him, so we find out about it through the characters that are the focal points. All that matters to the rest of the plot in terms of his character at that point is that he dies.

If you wanted to make the film completely bare bones, no, he's not, but he serves to build up Chigurh as this force for death, both in his description of him and that he is eventually killed by Chigurh, despite being a "professional."


I have to tell you Mojo, your post helped me feel better about the ending.

I watched the movie last night and loved it, except that the ending threw me a little. I was trying to feel out where they were going and almost had it, then I read your post and it clicked. Thanks Budday! :thumbup:

[TheMojoPin]

No problem! I live to nerdishly over-analyze everything...

[Marc with a c]

that was pretty slick analysis. i hadnt read that until now.

good job moj. o

[jetdog]

I have not seen the movie yet (see my location), but when the movie was advertised I decided I finally needed to start down the Cormac McCarthy trail. So the book was amazing, I am more eager to see the movie now than ever because I want to see how filmakers like the Coen brothers will adapt something like this. I can't think of a smooth way to turn this into a film, and it seems like some people are not satisfied with what they truned out. Whether this is a function of the book being hard to reconcile at the end or the adaptation not panning out will be fun to see.

[TheMojoPin]

I have not seen the movie yet (see my location), but when the movie was advertised I decided I finally needed to start down the Cormac McCarthy trail. So the book was amazing, I am more eager to see the movie now than ever because I want to see how filmakers like the Coen brothers will adapt something like this. I can't think of a smooth way to turn this into a film, and it seems like some people are not satisfied with what they truned out. Whether this is a function of the book being hard to reconcile at the end or the adaptation not panning out will be fun to see.

The film is incredibly faithful to the book. Most of it is straight from the text.

[Drunky McBetidont]

i watched tonight and loved it. i had to watch the early hand cuff choking scene again, the way shugars face changes is amazing, he almost looks possessed, demonic, like a totally different person for about 1 1/2 seconds. has this actor been picking up awards for his performance from the guilds and such?
i have to say it is very scary, i was expecting more humor from cohens but i was not even a little dissapointed with it. now i have to read the book.

btw how fucking cool is the air can thing he carrys? it is handy as hell to open doors and put holes in heads. and the rifle with the huge silencer was great too.

:clap::clap::clap::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

[RoseBlood]

This must be more of a man type of film, because I give it 5 yawns.

Same exact story line as 500 other movies. I love Tommy Lee Jones and was really hopeful that I would like this, but I was bored. Maybe it was the two hour runtime and my short attention span.

Maybe a "man type of film" but I loved it. I didn't look at my watch once, i loved every second.. even the end.
Eh, different strokes for different folks as they say.

i felt like an awful person when i laughed because no one in the theater thought it was funny except for me apparently

I chuckled at a few off-color jokes a couple of times. The dry humor worked well with the entire tone of the movie without being offensive.

Besides...the longer you wait, the higher your expectations might rise. If you wait for the DVD, ya might be a little let down.

I just saw this movie yesterday.. so I was real late and I walked away wanting to see it again. Although, I went in having no expectations and really had no idea what the movie was about.

*Ahem*

HE CAN'T BE STOPPED.

He's a Ghost!

how fucking cool is the air can thing he carrys? it is handy as hell to open doors and put holes in heads. and the rifle with the huge silencer was great too.

I think that thing made my heart stop like 20 times. Anytime I saw it, I felt myself tensing up, waiting for the sound that would jolt me... awesome!

[thepaulo]

So after seeing it a few times, besides the last 20 minutes.....
there is one thing that bothers me.
Is Lewellyn really that decent deep down that he would bring water to a man that's probably dead.......KNOWING that it is a really, really stupid thing to do?

[TheMojoPin]

So after seeing it a few times, besides the last 20 minutes.....
there is one thing that bothers me.
Is Lewellyn really that decent deep down that he would bring water to a man that's probably dead.......KNOWING that it is a really, really stupid thing to do?

I don't know if it's really him being "decent." Seems more motivated by guilt more than anything else over taking the money and not having the guts to finish the guy off.

[thepaulo]

Clearly a crucial moment when he wakes up in bed and then gets up to wander off in the middle of the night......
He makes it seem so off hand and trivial......

but every line of dialog in that scene tells you this is epic.

[sailor]

i agree with mojo. the guilt of that guy slowly dying alone in the desert ate away at him all night till he HAD to go out.

[tonypop]

the guilt of that guy slowly dying alone in the desert ate away at him all night till he HAD to go out.


Holy shit how did I not realize this. I thought he went back to get the drugs that were in the back of the truck and brought the water along in case he got a little thirsty.

[sreeja]

In my opinion it is awesome.:clap:

[danosu85]

I thought this was funny, O&A's No country for white men http://www.foundrymusic.com/media/displaymedia.cfm/id/17500/page/show_video_number_17500.html

[thepaulo]

having watched the film some more...(it really does lend itself to multiple viewings)
I tried to look at the whole film as an allegory as Mojo suggested.....
that's fine...but for most people that is pointless....
You first have to look at it as just an entertaining picture...
then you can experience the characters deeply but at face value....
then you can view it in an allegorical fashion.....
at this level you can see Chigur as literally an Angel of death operating under a strict but harsh moral code.

[NewYorkDragons80]

I did like a lot of the symbolism, it moved at a good pace, and Bardem was incredibly deep. But I still think Michael Clayton deserved best picture over this.

[pittphantoms]

Ronnie ruined this for me by saying Bardem was just playing the Terminator... He is dead on... now it doesnt seem so amazing to me.

[TheMojoPin]

Ronnie ruined this for me by saying Bardem was just playing the Terminator... He is dead on... now it doesnt seem so amazing to me.

He's very, very wrong.

[ChrisTheCop]

Well, it's available on Itunes now, so I downloaded it for my Iphone, figuring I could watch 5 minutes here, 10 minutes there, in between assignments at work.

It took about 2 minutes and I knew I had to watch this thing straight through. So I took a 2 hour meal. (Ah, civil service...)

Amazing movie, although I too was a little disappointed by the ending. I knew I could come to this thread for some answers from my buddays at RonFez.net. Now that I have them, I'm a gonna go watch this puppy again.

My initial thought about the ending was, "great. they let David Chase get away with this shit, so now everyone's gonna do it." But again, it seems the ending here actually did mean something... so I'm watching it again. Thanx.

[sailor]

So I took a 2 hour meal. (Ah, civil service...)


franklyn was right.

[ChrisTheCop]

Yeah...the ending screwed me up so much, I went out and harassed DOUBLE the people who belong on the block.

[eeroomnhoj]

Well, it's available on Itunes now, so I downloaded it for my Iphone, figuring I could watch 5 minutes here, 10 minutes there, in between assignments at work.

It took about 2 minutes and I knew I had to watch this thing straight through. So I took a 2 hour meal. (Ah, civil service...)

Amazing movie, although I too was a little disappointed by the ending. I knew I could come to this thread for some answers from my buddays at RonFez.net. Now that I have them, I'm a gonna go watch this puppy again.

My initial thought about the ending was, "great. they let David Chase get away with this shit, so now everyone's gonna do it." But again, it seems the ending here actually did mean something... so I'm watching it again. Thanx.


I thought the ending was awesome. It just ended.

[JimBeam]

Well I have it to watch tonight so I'm stoked about that.

I was thinking back to a part in the book that as I was reading really didn't make sense to me.

For those that read the book :

When they mention the State Trooper being set on fire, and some other guy being arrested for it, was that actually another person that Chigura killed ? If so why did he burn the guy ? That seems even a little too bizarre for him.

[TheMojoPin]

Well I have it to watch tonight so I'm stoked about that.

I was thinking back to a part in the book that as I was reading really didn't make sense to me.

For those that read the book :

When they mention the State Trooper being set on fire, and some other guy being arrested for it, was that actually another person that Chigura killed ? If so why did he burn the guy ? That seems even a little too bizarre for him.

He didn't burn him to death. He shot him to death and then set the car on fire.

[JimBeam]

So does that happen after he has the car crash ?

[sailor]

do we really need spoilers at this point?

[JimBeam]

Well the book had a few things different so I didn't wanna ruin that if somebody was gonna read it.

[sailor]

Well the book had a few things different so I didn't wanna ruin that if somebody was gonna read it.

ok, that i can see a bit. makes sense.

[JimBeam]

One thing I did like about the book, that I don't believe is addressed in the movie is

That Chigura returns the money to a mysterious character that's must've been the guy who hires the Woody Harrelson character.

[DonInNC]

I finally got around to seeing it tonight. Now I'm going to be dwelling on my mortality for the next couple of weeks.

[Friday]

too many dead animals :glurps:

[Friday]

after getting past the dog deaths, i find that i really enjoyed this movie.
i thought the ending was ponderous and effective and it tied in perfectly with the ominous opening monologue.

i have to agree with the others in this thread... the casting was perfect. and i have come to believe through my own experiences that 75% of directing is casting.

[thepaulo]

I'm kind of with you on this.....kill as many people as you want....but do not kill a dog....on the other hand....this particular dog had it coming.