NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

This movie had me at Javier Bardem. Who could forget the initial death by a captive bolt pistol(the thing they use to subdue cows before their ultimate demise)It lead to a unique stirring that had me begging for more. This 2007 feature by the Cohen brothers is an original piece of work that sees them return to their former "Fargo"glory.

I was NOT a fan of "O Brother where art though" and "The Man that wasn't there". Joel and Ethan can do better than that I thought. For Gods sake didn't these guys bring us "Raising Arizona"???!!!

I was then taken into the desert by a handsome cowboy in the form of the super talented Josh Brolin. A nice enough deer killer who comes across a large sum of money. What he should of done was leave it there. I guess if he had, there'd be no movie.

What ensues is a greedy versus evil versus good tale. As an audience we throughly concur that money IS the route of all evil.

Tommy Lee Jones is wonderful as always as the man in command. Pondering his position and that of his forefathers. He seems confused by the symbolism of two dreams he has about his father.As an audience, I was as well. Not to worry;that tough guy facade gave way to such a lovable Southern gent;it didn't really bother me.

Kelly McDonald plays Brolins wife to a tea. Not one morsal of her Scottish roots. Her final scene shows that she is much more than just a housewife. Prepared to look evil straight in the eye regardless of the consequences.

My favourite Cowboy busts a gut to survive. The scene in the Motel was a cracker. Brolin pleads for protection. A request that any person in the place must be thoroughly checked out. He emphasizes the point-"And I mean any swinging dick!" Ha!

Notable players were Tess harper as Tommy Lees understanding wife.Also the relatively unknown Garrett Dilahunt was wonderful as the Sherrifs wingman. Paying homage to the clueless portion in any screen police pair.

We soon come to realize though that Mr Bardem is the real star of the show.

His depiction of Anton Chigurh an invincible crazed psychopath is second to none. He is relentless and cruel in his pursuit;offering his victims an impossible reprieve. Its his role that clearly binds the script and takes it to the next level.

There are some dull drawn out moments but all is forgiven for the stunning visual backdrop,eerie score and fantastic real performances.

I award these two brothers for their original scripts and how they get the most out of their actors. Watch this space for another of their fabulous films. A relatively unknown comedy called "A Simple Man". Bye for now....