Heads or Tails?. Review on No Country for Old Men

Intense, Violent and Inane are three words that come to mind while writing about No Country For Old Men. Who is the worst villain you can remember in any film past or current? I will bet that none can compare to the likes of Anton Suger, (pronounced Shu-geer). His weapon of choice? An oxygen tank with a compressed air piece that will blow any lock or a gapinghole in your head. What makes Suger even more reprehensible is his style: no-nonsense, deliberate and pathological. But he also has a sense of properness and protocol. His word is his honor. A sordid point of view with regard to film's theme, this is indeed not a "county for old men", with little regard and appreciation for chivalry and honor. Oddly enough, Sugar represents this facet of the good ole days.

The story begins with a massacre of Mexican drug runners. Lewellyn Moss (Josh Brolin) comes upon the blood and gore, finding $2 Million dollars and one of the gang still alive and asking for water. Moss leaves but later returns, apparently remembering that the man needed water. Upon his return, the man is, of course, dead but the money, which had a transmitter hidden inside the satchel has led Suger and his "buddies" back to the scene and the chase begins: Suger versus Lewellyn.

Tommy Lee Jones is the Sheriff who rarely carries a pistol and knows everyone by name. He maintains the balance between the good and the bad but bad wins in the long run and this movie depicts that balance with more weight on the bad. Around every turn of the story, you will try to hide but peek out behind your fingers to see what is next. It is an unconscious reflex... All that is needed to scare you is the anticipation and the air tank.

Javier Bardem, Suger is nothing like any role that he has ever played (The Sea Inside, Before Night Falls). He has the perfect American Accent and strong features to be scarier than the Boogie man. If you are a fan of Coen brothers films, you will appreciate the black satire of the film and their great film ingénue. One of the most absurd aspects of the odd Villain is his sense of honor and to depict that he toys with his victims (not the ones that are supposed to be killed, but the ones that happen along the way) with the toss of a coin. Heads or Tails, the victim decides and if they win, they get to live. After all, it is only fair!

Unlike what you would expect for a great film, this duly earned many nominations at the Oscars. Bravo that Javier Bardem was recognized for his Best Supporting Role. Unfortunately, No Country for Old Men did not get the wide notoriety, as it should have. This was an excellent film with a deep meaning that will haunt you long after its ended!