No Country For Old Men

My essay will analyze the Coen Brothers 2007 hit No Country For Old Men in terms of how it upholds and critiques the western genre. While it can be considered a western because of its setting and themes, it deviates from western tropes in a number of memorable and engaging ways. One thing that stands out is the use of sound in the film, or rather, the absence of it. While westerns are often synonymous with their iconic musical motifs, No Country For Old Men does not use a score at all. This sets a gritty, bleak, realistic tone for the entire film and often forces the viewer to hold their breath in tense moments. Another interesting element of No Country For Old Men is the dynamic between the three main characters and how they stand apart from typical western heroes and villains. The antagonist of Anton Chigurh is one of the most memorable villains of the twenty-first century and according to a study is the most accurate portrayal of a psychopath in film. Whereas villains are often motivated by money or power, Anton works at the guide of a more mysterious force – fate. Giving him an unclear motivation throughout the film speaks to the themes of chaos and nihilism. Llewelyn Moss also stands out as an atypical western hero. Throughout the film, he walks the line between good and bad. He makes selfish decisions, but also shows a kind, caring side. Sheriff Bell appears to be a wise, experienced lawman, but always finds himself behind the action and unsure of whatès going on. He perfectly embodies the generational shift the film is about. Rather than being punished for being clueless, his inability to keep up is what allows him to survive the film. It is also significant that no two of these men, despite being the main characters, ever meet face-to-face in the film. There is no climactic gunfight, where the good guy defeats the bad guy. Instead, Llewelyn is killed off screen by drug smugglers. Chigurh seems to walk off into the sunset, while Sheriff Bell, and the audience, is left to wonder what it all means.

Shared By: Kaden Morrow
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1 Comment

  1. tatkins

    You need to compare it to something specific in terms of the western genre. You say ‘according to a study’. What study? I’m sure you can find other psychopaths in westerns to compare and contrast him to. You also need to talk about mise en scene, and other filmic devices that help propel his character forward.

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