How do you create tension without spoken words but with only the anticipation that something big will arise? And then when it doesn’t you feel cheated because thats what the typical Hollywood movie pre-determines that all movies will have a resolution at the end as well as the heightened action scene. The Coen brothers’ No Country For Old Men does exactly that. Superbly crafted and weaved for the viewer to fill in what the film does not.

Evan’s view of the Coen brothers craft is that no shot is ever wasted – everything is there for a reason to tell the viewer some hidden information about the movie. The classic cat and mouse movie has been done many many times where the hero always succeeds in the end. The fact that the mouse or the hero, Llewelyn is killed off scene rather than a long drawn out heroic scene, shows the Coen brothers decision not to follow the trends of the Hollywood genre.

The villain is an imposing figure throughout but you can’t help but feel a little pity for him.

The infamous gas gun

The lack of dialogue ensures that if there is dialogue, if its meant to be there, to draw the shots together. Suspension of belief is what draws the audience in as after all it is a fairly simple tale which does not bombard the audience with unnecessary details. A simple tale, if told well can hold much impact and force. This is exactly what No Country For Old Men does. Even the ending is left open for interpretation and we are left lapping for some bit of closure. Other than that, totally recommended!

The trailor: