I'm not the Coen(s) nut many are. I do agree that most of their films gain appreciation with each viewing. But I've only seen a few of their films more than once. I certainly need to rewatch Fargo and The Big Lebowski.
That said, Raising Arizona is one of the best movies I've ever seen, and I've never seen a film by them I did NOT like.
I've also never read a book by Cormac McCarthy. People I respect a lot
No Country for Old Men is a fantastic film that I didn't really like as I walked out of the theater. I tend to expect greatness immediately, and usually greatness has to linger for a while. No Country did not have to linger very long, but it did require some pieceing together of previous scenes, previous dialogue, and previous structure. Once you see the film with the end in mind, it all works out beautifully (if quite devastatingly).
Technically, the film is a swiss watch. Immaculately constructed, filmed, and acted - there is no way around that. Even as I initially walked out, a bit dumbstruck, I was still floored by the film. It contains some exceptional sequences, and I loved watching each of the scenes unfold. Deakins work should receive critical notice, even if the tone of the film hurts it's chances in other "categories".
The ending went a very specific way, foreshadowed numerous times in previous scenes, but gently...what looked like simple characterization and tone-building was actually thematic layering. As I worked out why the Coens' made the choices they did, it started to click. It's a dark movie, and not a particularly happy one. There are certainly numerous moments of grim humor (and some regular humor as well).
I agree with all of the praise the cast is getting. Bardem gets the showiest role, and just completely nails it. But as stated, every other member of the cast does a good to outstanding job. Even Milton
I don't think I love it as much as other folks do, but I do admire the hell out of it.
9.5/10,
Chuck