Wednesday, November 21, 2007

The accounting is scrupulous. The shape is drawn.



I would like to see the film version, so ordered the book and read it in a day. No Country for Old Men is fairly typical Cormac McCarthy. The setting is more contemporary than usual, and the vernacular less Scriptural, but the violence and the prime movers of plot are familiar, as are the themes. The novel lacks a white-hatted hero; those who come closest to this ideal are dispatched gruesomely. One is left wondering if the brutal killer Chigurh has a point when he explains his own morality, his method of living: "I have no enemies. I don't permit such a thing." When contrasted with the "good" characters in the novel, Chigurh comes across as pure and focused and certainly the least troubled by conscience.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh man, I loved the movie. Loved it. (I have not read the book however.) I think it's one that should be seen on the big screen. And heard on the big speakers, for that matter. Go!

-Darin (thundergod)

Geoff said...

Where did you see it? We might go tonight if we don't fall asleep like the old people we are.

Anonymous said...

The brand new Landmark in Harbor East. Which has faux leather seats, movable armrests, and the ability to brink beer/wine/booze (from their bar) in the theater. And quality projection and Klipsch speakers. Thumbs up.

Silenus said...

It's real good. Frend-o