Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
No Country for Old Men is a 2007 American neo-Western crime thriller film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, based on Cormac McCarthy’s 2005 novel of the same name. The film stars Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, and Josh Brolin. Set in West Texas in 1980, the film follows the interwoven paths of three characters: a hunter who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong, a psychopathic hitman, and a weary sheriff.
The Story Unfolds
The Drug Deal Gone Wrong
The film begins with Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), a Vietnam War veteran, hunting in the Texas desert. He discovers the aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong, including several dead bodies, a stash of heroin, and a briefcase containing $2 million. Moss takes the money and flees, setting off a violent chain of events.
The Pursuit
The psychopathic hitman Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) is hired to recover the money. Chigurh, known for his ruthless and methodical killing methods, begins his relentless pursuit of Moss. He uses a captive bolt pistol to kill his victims, which he views as a tool of fate. Meanwhile, Sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) investigates the violence and tries to protect Moss and his wife, Carla Jean (Kelly Macdonald), from the escalating danger.
The Climax and Resolution
The Cat-and-Mouse Chase
As Moss tries to stay ahead of Chigurh, he hides the money in various locations and attempts to send his wife to safety. The chase leads to a series of violent confrontations, with Chigurh killing anyone who gets in his way. Moss and Chigurh have several near-misses, highlighting the tension and suspense throughout the film.
The Tragic Outcome
The film’s climax occurs when Moss is ambushed and killed by Mexican drug dealers who are also after the money. Sheriff Bell arrives at the scene too late to save Moss. Chigurh retrieves the money but is involved in a car accident shortly after, sustaining severe injuries but managing to escape.
The Conclusion
The Philosophical Reflection
No Country for Old Men concludes with Sheriff Bell reflecting on his life and the changing nature of crime and violence. He retires, feeling overwhelmed by the brutality he has witnessed. The film ends with Bell recounting a dream he had about his father, symbolizing his feelings of inadequacy and loss.
Movie Ending
No Country for Old Men ends on a somber and reflective note, with Sheriff Bell retiring and contemplating the pervasive violence and moral decay he has encountered. The fate of Chigurh remains ambiguous, emphasizing the film’s themes of fate, chance, and the relentless nature of evil.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in No Country for Old Men.
Type of Movie
No Country for Old Men is a neo-Western crime thriller that blends elements of suspense, drama, and philosophical reflection, exploring themes of fate, morality, and the inevitability of violence.
Cast
- Tommy Lee Jones as Sheriff Ed Tom Bell
- Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh
- Josh Brolin as Llewelyn Moss
- Kelly Macdonald as Carla Jean Moss
- Woody Harrelson as Carson Wells
- Garret Dillahunt as Deputy Wendell
Film Music and Composer
Interestingly, No Country for Old Men does not have a traditional musical score. The Coen Brothers chose to forgo a musical soundtrack, relying instead on ambient sounds to heighten the film’s tension and realism.
Filming Locations
No Country for Old Men was filmed in various locations, including:
- Marfa, Texas: For the wide, open landscapes and desert scenes.
- New Mexico: For additional desert and urban settings.
Awards and Nominations
No Country for Old Men received numerous prestigious awards, including:
- Academy Awards: Won Best Picture, Best Director (Joel and Ethan Coen), Best Supporting Actor (Javier Bardem), and Best Adapted Screenplay. Nominated for Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Sound Editing.
- Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Supporting Actor (Javier Bardem) and Best Screenplay. Nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, and Best Original Score.
- BAFTA Awards: Won Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Javier Bardem), and Best Cinematography. Nominated for Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Sound.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Javier Bardem’s portrayal of Anton Chigurh is widely regarded as one of the most chilling and memorable performances in film history. Bardem won numerous awards for his role, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
- The Coen Brothers were praised for their faithful adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel, capturing its dark tone and philosophical depth.
- The decision to exclude a traditional score was intentional, emphasizing the film’s raw and realistic atmosphere.
Inspirations and References
No Country for Old Men is based on Cormac McCarthy’s novel, which explores themes of fate, morality, and the human condition. The film adaptation stays true to the novel’s narrative and philosophical underpinnings.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of No Country for Old Men closely follows the novel’s ending and the Coen Brothers’ vision. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film is a faithful adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel, maintaining the core plot and themes while enhancing the story through visual and auditory elements unique to cinema. The novel provides more detailed internal monologues and philosophical reflections.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The opening scene where Anton Chigurh strangles a deputy with his handcuffs.
- The tense confrontation between Chigurh and Moss in the motel.
- The coin toss scene in the gas station, where Chigurh forces the proprietor to call heads or tails for his life.
- The final conversation between Sheriff Bell and Carla Jean, reflecting on fate and moral responsibility.
- Sheriff Bell’s reflective monologue about his dreams at the end of the film.
Iconic Quotes
- “What’s the most you ever lost on a coin toss?” – Anton Chigurh
- “Call it, friend-o.” – Anton Chigurh
- “I always figured when I got older, God would sort of come into my life in some way. He didn’t.” – Sheriff Ed Tom Bell
- “You can’t stop what’s coming. It ain’t all waiting on you. That’s vanity.” – Ellis
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film’s meticulous attention to detail includes period-accurate props, clothing, and vehicles, enhancing its 1980s setting.
- The Coen Brothers’ signature style is evident in the film’s dark humor, stark cinematography, and precise editing.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was approximately $25 million, and it grossed over $171 million worldwide.
- Javier Bardem’s distinctive hairstyle as Chigurh was based on a photograph from a 1979 book on Texas prison inmates.
- The Coen Brothers often collaborated with cinematographer Roger Deakins, whose work on No Country for Old Men was widely praised for its visual impact.
Why Watch?
No Country for Old Men offers a gripping and thought-provoking narrative, featuring standout performances, particularly by Javier Bardem, and masterful direction by the Coen Brothers. Its blend of suspense, drama, and philosophical depth makes it a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and literary adaptations.
Director’s Other Movies
Joel and Ethan Coen also directed:
- Fargo (1996)
- The Big Lebowski (1998)
- O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
- True Grit (2010)
- Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Fargo (1996)
- The Road (2009)
- True Grit (2010)
- There Will Be Blood (2007)
- A Serious Man (2009)
