No Country for Old Men (2007) is a modern cinematic masterpiece crafted by the Coen Brothers, Joel and Ethan. Based on Cormac McCarthy’s novel, the film weaves an intricate tale of crime, morality, and chaos. Beyond its gripping narrative, the production itself is laden with fascinating trivia, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and industry milestones. Let’s delve into some of the most compelling insights about this iconic film.
Javier Bardem’s Iconic Portrayal of Anton Chigurh
A group of psychiatrists analyzed 400 films for accurate portrayals of psychopathy and deemed Javier Bardem’s Anton Chigurh the most realistic psychopath in cinema history. Bardem’s chilling performance, characterized by his methodical speech and moral detachment, remains unparalleled. Interestingly, Bardem initially hesitated to take the role, citing his poor English, dislike of violence, and inability to drive. However, the Coen Brothers saw these quirks as assets, leading to his unforgettable performance.
Real-Life Inspiration for Fictional Events
The film is set in 1980, and Sheriff Bell reflects on drug-related violence, mentioning the murder of a federal judge in San Antonio. This detail closely parallels the 1979 assassination of Federal Judge John Howland Wood by Charles Harrelson, father of Woody Harrelson, who played Carson Wells in the film.
Innovative and Costly Use of Fake Blood
One of the unexpected expenses during production was the $800-per-gallon fake blood used in the shootout aftermath scene. Unlike standard fake blood made with sugar (which attracts insects), this version avoided unwanted distractions for the extras lying on the desert floor.
The Unforgettable Haircut
Anton Chigurh’s unsettling bowl cut became a symbol of his eccentricity. Bardem, upon seeing his new look, lamented, “Oh no, now I won’t get laid for the next two months.” This reaction delighted the Coen Brothers, as it reinforced Chigurh’s creepiness.
Production Challenges: Smoke and Accidents
While filming in Marfa, Texas, the nearby production of There Will Be Blood disrupted a landscape shot due to smoke from a pyrotechnic test. Ironically, both films went on to compete for top honors at the Academy Awards, sharing multiple production companies.
Josh Brolin, cast as Llewelyn Moss, broke his shoulder in a motorcycle accident two days after landing the role. Surprisingly, his injury worked in favor of the film, as his character is shot in the shoulder early on.
Weaponry: Creating the Tools of a Killer
The Coen Brothers custom-designed Chigurh’s shotgun silencer and his captive bolt pistol to heighten the character’s unique brand of violence. These inventions added to the weaponry’s unsettling realism.
Recognition and Record-Breaking Achievements
Javier Bardem’s role earned him multiple accolades, making him the first Spanish actor to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His victory at the Oscars, along with wins at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, BAFTA Awards, and others, cemented his performance as legendary.
Despite his top billing, Tommy Lee Jones, playing Sheriff Bell, had the least screen time among the three leads. However, his reflective narration and scenes were pivotal to the film’s themes of moral decay and existential contemplation.
Minimalist Music for Maximum Impact
The film’s score, by Carter Burwell, runs only 16 minutes. In line with the Coens’ vision, much of the sound design relies on diegetic elements. This deliberate scarcity heightens tension and immerses viewers in the stark, unforgiving world of West Texas.
Historical and Cultural References
The title, drawn from W.B. Yeats’ poem Sailing to Byzantium, echoes the existential musings of Sheriff Bell. Themes of aging, mortality, and moral decline resonate throughout the story, tying back to the poem’s exploration of life and the afterlife.
Even small details, like a red-painted quarter in an arcade scene, harken back to real cultural practices of the 1980s, showcasing the Coens’ commitment to authenticity.
Unconventional Filmmaking
Contrary to standard Hollywood practices, the Coen Brothers shot only 250,000 feet of film compared to the usual 700,000 to a million feet. This economy mirrored their tight production schedule and meticulous planning.
Academy Award Milestones
The film was only the second in history to win Best Director for a duo, following West Side Story (1961). The Coens also joined James Cameron (Titanic) as filmmakers who wrote, directed, produced, and edited their own Best Picture-winning films.
Legacy of No Country for Old Men
With its sparse dialogue, deliberate pacing, and philosophical underpinnings, No Country for Old Men remains a unique adaptation of McCarthy’s novel. Sheriff Bell’s final monologue, lifted directly from the book’s last page, offers a poignant close to a story steeped in chaos and despair.
From Bardem’s chilling portrayal of Anton Chigurh to the Coens’ precise storytelling, No Country for Old Men exemplifies the art of filmmaking. Its blend of realistic characters, historical references, and innovative techniques ensures its place in cinematic history. Beyond its accolades, the film invites audiences to ponder timeless questions about morality, fate, and the human condition.