A Masterpiece

The Coen Brothers's latest film has knocked the socks off of most critics' feet and is on its way to sweeping up the awards which begs the question, is it all worth all the hype?
In a word, yes, yes and yes (ok that's three but we like doing things in threes here).

Dark and Bleak from the word go, this is a film which will have you chilled to the core and enthralled by the fantastic performances. The Coen Brothers have captured McCarthy's novel by remaining almost entirely faithful to it both in script and in essence.

The story begins with Llewellyn Moss (Brolin) stumbling across the aftermath of a massacre by two rival drug gangs. Finding a suitcase full of money he takes it with him but unbeknown to him he is seen by sociopath killer Anton Chigurgh (Bardem) who then pursues them. Both the theif and the killer are pursued by Sheriff Ed Tom Bell, (Jones), leading to an intricately woven, deliciously dark story.

Anton Chigurgh is the creepiest bad guy since Hannibal Lector with his ever-so-slightly smirking face and deadpan tone. With this performance we're hoping that Bardem wins the best supporting Oscar he's been nominated for.

This impact is infinately increased through the tremendous cinematography showing the bleak and empty fields as well as a dead dead silence that fills the theatre and allows the audience to hear and feel every creaking floorboard.

The Coen Brothers have outdone themselves on this masterpiece. It will be a challenge for any other film in 2008 to match it as the talented siblings have raised the bar sky high.