While the performances are extraordinary, the Coens structure them in such democratic manner that it is impossible -- despite Chigurh's iconic character -- to single out any single one. Brolin is a revelation in his role of a man on the run, winning audience relatability with his desperation as well as admiration with his smarts -- he's cleverer than you and me. Or is he?
Tommy Lee Jones is perfectly cast. It's been a while since he played a demented killer tossing a coin to determine the victim's fate, and now the other shoe fits him best: old and grizzled, cynical yet committed to the cause. And we'd all be lost without his narrative. Harrelson does well, delivering smart lines with the needed panache, and Scot actress Kelly MacDonald is very impressive, especially with her accent.
Javier Bardem, magnifico. He is the film's leading man, his presence looming large over even the frames that don't contain him, and it is a difficult part for any actor. Bardem handles the role with confidence, lining his words with a soft -- murderous, we learn, is the right adjective, two minutes after we first meet him -- seduction. He knows what he's doing, but all we know is what he's capable of. Gulp.
Above all, this is distinctively and utterly a Coen Brothers film, and Joel and Ethan carve out a masterful movie with delicious accuracy. "Whatcha got ain't nothin new. This country's hard on people, you can't stop what's coming, it ain't all waiting on you. That's vanity," a character reveals in the film's most generously loaded line.
This is the darkest film in a long while and -- make no mistake -- old men aren't the only ones in danger.
Rediff Rating: 4.5 Stars
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