"One discovery can change your life. One mistake can destroy it."
- No Country for Old Men Novel by Cormac McCarthy
Since the inception of cinema in Hollywood, Western films have left an indelible impression on the masses and continue to do so through their legacy. With essential elements including hostile events occurring between the dunes of the arid wilderness due to the usage of a MacGuffin (an object/device/incident that is important for the plot thereby serving as a motivation for the actions carried out by the characters), this unique genre has enthralled viewers of the silver screen since time immemorial.
Although it possesses a rich bequest, it has recently been faintly remembered by audiences. Dynamic genres with shifts in demographic and film-watching experiences have led to the decline of this specific cinematic world. As America’s cultural arena widened its horizons; reflections of the same could be seen in the arts with the inclusion of topical subjects such as race, violence, political disarray, law and order etc.
However, you may still find certain creative minds that lend themselves to curating such rugged masterpieces. One such cinematic fabric that serves as a perfect example of the same is Ethan and Joel Coen’s 2007 film - No Country for Old Men.
No Country for Old Men, set in the dusty terrains of West Texas introduces us to Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), a retired welder and Vietnam War veteran who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and a suitcase worth 2 million dollars. He returns home with the money but soon finds himself being chased by Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem), a hitman tasked with recovering the money. Hot on both of their trails is Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones), a local sheriff who is investigating the crime.
Reinvigorating the genre and adding touches to its modern-day counterpart, the film is successful in capturing the lingering essence of keeping the masses on the edge of their seats. The distinct plains that it was shot in do lend themselves to the authenticity of the story.
Usage of earthy and muted colours helped Chigurh to stick out like a sore thumb. Yet he finds himself fitting the archetype of a psychopath to perfection. Lack of emotions coupled with the intentional pale makeup and deep eyes that bore into individuals leaves you feeling unsettled.
A particular scene that best portrays these feelings is the coin toss one. The old cashier has an inkling of who Chigurh could be during his subliminally intense conversation with him. He tries to save himself from the sticky situation and is ultimately able to do so when his fortune favours him.
As the narration progresses, Chigurh’s face is constantly hidden by shadows elevating his ominous presence. The lack of sound that typically graces such a landscape augments the eeriness that a person is enveloped in. A decision that resulted in the film being nominated for Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing.
Bell along with Moss and Chigurh serve as a personification of Id, Ego and Superego. Bell symbolises the good. Being a just man with staunch principles, he continues to hope for a better future in comparison to the bleak present. Chigurh is conceptualised as being the complete opposite. He kills anything in his line of sight without ulterior motives and instead receives instant gratification in return.
Balancing them out, Moss represents the morally grey spectrum. He is not averse to violence but tends to avoid it as much as he can. His act of returning to the crime scene with water to quench the dying Mexican’s thirst signifies him being a model of rectitude.
Bardem’s ability to play diverse personalities and mould himself according to their characteristics is unparalleled. Jones's portrayal of a lawman who is appalled at how the present is shaping up but tries to make his peace with it shines through, especially during the conclusion. Eagle-eyed spectators would be able to differentiate his changes in facial expressions and tone whilst recounting the dreams.
Being showered with numerous accolades including the likes of winning the Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Bardem), Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay serves as a testament to the penchant that Western films carry with them. Albeit studios are inclined towards more profitable categories, they must not forget the roots that laid the foundation thus paving the path for their successors.
Comments