How a coin toss changed cinema.
Presentation:
The Coen Brother's neo-Western masterpiece is a near perfect adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel. Javier Bardem is unrecognizable as one of the great villains, let alone psychopaths ever conceived on screen and completely overshadowing its talented cast. The plot looms with an inevitable deterministic force, made more philosophical with its narrative style and direction. There’s no music in this film, add on vast dry deserts and you’re right up the Coen’s nihilistic alley. The cinematography from Deakins speaks volumes about specificity with gorgeous cove lighting despited the muted yellow hues. Even without a soundtrack, the film will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time, immersing you in some of the most tense cat and mouse scenes in cinema. This might be peak storytelling for any modern film.
Story:
So many well presented themes and tropes. You have the infallible cat and mouse mechanic that never disappoints in a rich southern setting with moral ambiguity among realistically motivated characters. Bardem is a believable psychopath that subverts the audience, as you even begin to consider his philosophy on fate. I would say at some point you may even agree with him despite wanting him to fall. This may be close to a perfect film.
Conclusion:
Gritty realism, determinism, this smart script never holds your hands and expects you to put the pieces together. One of the best films on this list. Daringly compelling with basically no flaws, this is a film that can convert casual moviegoer into cinephile.
Recommendations
How a coin toss changed cinema.