Coen Brothers on adapting the novel "No Country for Old Men"

[karezza6]

Was the Anton Chigurh character based on the Prophet Mohammed?

[cqtaylor]

Nihilism+ Mocking Yokels+Black Humor+Shooting Characters in the Face= Coen Brothers Movie.

[basehead617]

i think that's the only time i've seen either of them laugh

[Tigerlily21]

@basehead617 really? I've always seen them laughing. Especially Ethan. He's the giggler.

[LynnJynh9315]

By far, one of the worst films I've ever seen. Killing off the only character anyone gave a **** about in the most inglorious death ever, and then pretend it's ironic by having the most boring character monologue about nothing... absolutely disgraceful.

[classicvibe]

@LynnJynh9315

Did you just stumble on one of the main themes in the movie there smarty pants?

[jeffmangumisgood]

@LynnJynh9315 but that's the point to coen brothers movies. their movies are more about ideas and universal philosophies rather than specific human characters. the physical human characters play a larger role, an underlying meaning that you should be able to pick up on if you have studied ancient philosophy or have any intelligence on the matter whatsoever. that's the biggest issue with the coen's, people don't get that they aren't making normal movies. they are philosophy teachers.

[Liberum69]

@jeffmangumisgood You're giving them WAYYY too much credit. They read a book, loved it, and adapted it into a movie with magnificent ability. That's it. Their original ideas are usually just social commentary.

[GabersJones]

@LynnJynh9315 Wow fuck you asshole

[MsSlashgirl]

The book is pretty much the same as the film so it's really not worth buying. If anything I'd suggest getting it from your library.

[ayemy]

No Country for Old Men is a perfect movie, friendo

[ianschecter]

they are the best movie makers in hollywood. period.

[mastergradeone]

these bros probably do drugs to make these great movies.

[manna1974]

Deakins did great again aye?

[tokillacatchersrye]

I thought the movie was overrated. It was okay, not as great as everyone says. It rather boring, watch Fargo instead.

[dykann123456789]

@tokillacatchersrye those are completely different movies dude...

[booksthatrock]

The book is brilliant and the film is fantastic. As Mr Coen says "The film is very faithful to the novel." I highly recommend both in no particular order as they are each their own.

[waywardwatchdog1]

I'd discourage people from reading the novel. The movie disposed of the cliched scenes in the book, and VASTLY improved each and every suspense sequence. Some of the absolute best scenes in the movie aren't even present in the novel. The film was better in every way imaginable.

[DemonHobo95]

@waywardwatchdog1 I disagree. While the film was incredible and some scenes were all the Coen brothers (Chigurh's conversation with the shop owner for instance, brilliant!) but the book is definitely worth a read.

[FungusMossGnosis]

@waywardwatchdog1

I agree. But much of what was good in the book wasn't "improved" on; however - it was a marvelous job of sculpting (cutting away the lard). The Coen's a excellent writers and directors, and one thing they don't get enough credit for is their tremendously skilled editing.

McCarthy has commented on how original and effective was the Coen's scene of of the hot pursuit of the dog after Moss through the river. Vivider and more suspenseful than anything in the book, for certain.

[chris574551]

This was actually the first movie I've seen where the movie was better than the book. I was not a big fan of the book but loved the movie.

[BunchofMovieVideos]

This film is awesome, I've seen it twice in the last month. I really want to read the book. :)

[saucyjenkins]

you absolutely should. I've seen this movie probably 6 or 7 times and the book still captivated me

[BunchofMovieVideos]

I've read it now (and watched the movie one more time lol). Have you read Blood Meridian? I took it out yesterday.

[saucyjenkins]

No, I've only read No Country and The Road, but just yesterday I started All the Pretty Horses. After this trilogy comes Blood Meridian

[BunchofMovieVideos]

Cool - I'm not ready for the trilogy but I'll get there.

[snikene]

Blood Meridian was great. I have not read No country for old men, do you recommend it?

[bryandenehy76]

who is producing the road? I hope they do

[ManSeekingMonkey]

If i was ever giving a press interview i would shout PENIS right in the begging.... just bto loosen things up a bit lol

[maconha22]

I believe this was one of the best adaptations of a book to film I've ever seen. Excellent work! The Coen brothers are simply amazing! They might be socially awkward but who cares? They sure are geniuses.

[Barbabapan]

Well I thought it was a great film but a bad adaptation. To me, the most essential elements of the book were just left out. Because unfilmable. But as a film on its own: great. But then I can't help myself comparising the two works. Which I shouldn't.

[s7rugg1es]

It's an excellent adaptation, and McCarthy's tome is no different from the movie. The final statement about carrying the fire by the sheriff is echoed in The Road and All the Pretty Horses. Cormac is the new Faulkner, a great writer that no one gets.

[law245]

THE ENDING(OR LACK OF ONE) SEEMS TO BE THE MOST DISCUSSED ASPECT OF THE FILM!!I am sure everyone got a shock out of it..it was like,getting ready to achieve an orgasm,and suddenly,,your genitals vanish!!At first ,the artsy ending pissed me off,but now I realize why the author/movie directors did it.Still,I am glad I didn`t pay to see it!!(thanks to a certain Asian host)

[Ficas12]

agreed but cohen brothers rule..daniel day lewis is new favorite actor

[SteveMovies4000]

yup

[jonnygreeny111]

Yeah, most geniuses tend to be that way.

[Beanumy]

It's called chron thought.

[matlivo]

no, they are socialy awkward

(is how i percieve them, anyways.)

and, they are legends.

one of the top 100 films of all time.

congrats boys!

my other fav's of theirs are 'fargo' and 'the man who wasxn't there'.

[Albeleo]

I loved the ending. It was Tommy Lee Jones's character becoming overwhelmed with the whole desensitization aspect of the film, after his friend told him that it couldn't be stopped.  I could go on, but it's a great literary theme, which makes it a great movie when in the hands of great directors such as the Coen brothers. Javier Bardem was the elusive evil that we look to blame, but the money was the real evil. It brought the impending storm that the sherrif's friend warned about.

[GeorgesBarras]

Good to hear see some intelligent people here on youtube, it does induce a 'wow' at the end.

[seels31]

Ethan Coen has a new Off-Broadway play called "Almost An Evening" now playing.

[JPSBollespitcher]

Honestly I thought it was a good choice, it made it seem a little more real and less like a movie.

[MattyBoy714]

That's what I love so much about the ending, it's so different and fresh than what we're used to seeing. My friend who I saw it with hated the movie because of the ending, but I absolutely loved it.

[spasticgoblin]

I found that refreshing as opposed to disappointing.

[thelonefilmmaker]

What I loved about this film is that the subplot overtook the main plot - that times are changin' and it doesn't matter how much you try, no individual can do anything about it... so the personal stories of the individuals get overtaken by life.. Brilliant!

Rob AKA The Lone Filmmaker - watch me make a feature film entirely on my own in an attempt to make cinematic history.

[rodekill27]

yeah but i think thats what makes it so unique, if you had one big shootout it would be like any other movie, instead the old man (bell) misses chigurgh, which leads to the title

[rodekill27]

and thats why it won best picture

[jeaves17]

if I may suggest a few recent films you may like if you thought this was flat: the new "Rambo" has a lot of pointless shit blowing up, the newest in the "Step Up" franchise probably has the kind of dramatic arc you are capable of grasping, and "Horton Hears a Who" might be a little more suitable to your level of emotional comprehension

[savesprinkles5678]

Why is it when someone wishes to express an opinion on here, people like you always have to have a negative comment. "anxvariety" didn't judge anyone by saying that he or she didn't like the film. Just because someone doesn't like the same thing you do doesn't make them shallow and unintelligent.

[RodrigoMorenoTV]

I agree....when they accepted the best picture oscar..they didn't act happy or anything

[pmcfee2]

They had probably been up for 48 hrs at this point, doing interview after relentless interview, answering the same moronic questions, recanting the same 'made up' stories for the mindless media masses. Why do people think that the entire world should fit into their small view on what should be?

[filmshadow]

You're right, thank you for saying something smart.

[yiryan94]

fargo was good too

[OsvaldoPaese]

Great movie. It captures modern times very well. Cohen Brothers= super brothers = some of the best movies ever made....

[mademoiselle3000]

If someone wants to see a pre No country for old men interview with Javier Bardem, type- Charlie Rose: January 19, 2001. The interview is from when he was nominated for "before night falls" co starting Johnny Depp.

p.s. fast forward the political stuff at the beginning ff to 36:16

[splivey]

Thanks to all on this board who have kept the discussion on No Country For Old Men...a great film.

[splivey]

There are so few truly talented folks around today...THANK GOD FOR THE COENS!

[splivey]

The Coens have never made a bad film.

[bddc201]

Have to disagree with you there. "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou", "The Hudsucker Proxy", "Barton

Fink", "The Man Who Wasn't There", and now, sadly, their latest shitfest; "No Country For Old Men". These guys are hit and miss at best. They nearly ruined "The Big Lebowski" with that dumb as hell ending.

[WGASChannel]

I would sooner place "Intolerable Cruelty" and "The Ladykillers" at the bottom of the Coen barrel. But they really have set the bar so high in past films like "Miller's Crossing", "Raising Arizona", and "Fargo", that to even come close is truly admirable by my reckoning. Especially considering they take risks like using absolutely no musical score through the entire film. You want formula? You know where to get it...

[WGASChannel]

This was a reply to bddc201. Thanks!

[bddc201]

I stand corrected.

[WGASChannel]

It's not like that. I'm just expressing my opinion, not judging yours. Unless you're conceding my point, which I couldn't blame you for... it is a pretty decent opinion... But it's only one of my 2cents, so that's a penny I owe you...

[bddc201]

I was agreeing with you.

[WGASChannel]

And I was fulfilling my role as an insecure YouTube commenter... and I think this is one of the most civilized comment threads on YouTube... it caught me off guard for a second there. Kudos, Coen fans! Thanks, bddc201. All the best!

[PANZYUTUBEIS]

complex hahahahahahahhahahahahahahahh DUMBASS

[artisands]

Write something people can understand. This is near retarded.

[regalfrondee]

.....complex...you laugh at the notion that this film is not complex. I find that funny. How can you not realize, see, the underlying themes of this movie, much yet the book? Don't know if you have ever read the book, assuming you haven't, but where is your brain? Do you not see the degredation of society? Do you not see the worship of mammon? I think you need to re-evaluate what you think is complex.

[eggbertsmith]

wow, that panzyutubeis guy is about as dumb as a bag of hammers. And certainly goes out of his way to show it. Hope he gets diarrhea.

[artisands]

This film is so complex. it is probably one the greatest crafted films ever made. I am hearing things all over the net, like the repeating of certain dialogue between Chigurh and Moss, similar situtaions ie: giving money to people in exchange for a shirt. Everything thing about this film screams "perfectly crafted"; with forshadowing, symbolism, all that yummy film stuff. This film is so incredibly layered with the stuff, I am going to have to watch this thing until the end of time.

[Slippinginar]

I am seeing it tonight, I can't wait!

[TheEqualiser00]

it follows the book very precisely, friendo.

[susel215]

The ending was perfect. I thought this was a great movie, I hope it's nominated for an Oscar. Javier's performance was incredible. The same goes for the rest of the actors.

I have to admit I jumped a few times during the movie ... it felt so real ...

[Templar613]

So did i. i was on the edge of my seat during the tense and quiet moments! I was sitting forward glued to the screen with my elbows on my knees waiting for something surprising and intense to happen, and for those that saw this great film, it did.

[ilovepanslabyrinth]

@susel215

Yes, the ending is perfect. Even if it wasn't based on a book it still would've been perfect. Everything comes full circle

[elfeo11]

Yep, I'm going to complain about the ending too. Perhaps it'll all make sense when I read the book, but for ME, Tommy Lee Jones's character was lost amid the Lewellyn-Cigurh confrontations so to have it end with his character just felt odd. However, I still enjoyed the movie and if the ending accomplished anything it forced me to reanalyze it over and over. I get the feeling whatever is missing from the book will clarify things. So how faithful an adaptation is it?

[shieldforumJim]

people say the adaption is almost like word for word.

But I didnt read the book, and this is what I got from the stories he told:

MAYBE SPOILERS

---He keeps talking throughout the movie about how things have changed so much from back in the day when he was young, or when his father was a law man, or when other law men were around 20 or 30 years ago. He talks about how people are different now than then were then.

continured....

[shieldforumJim]

The most important dream was obviously the last one, where his father (mind you, he says, his father is younger technically) rides faster, but stronger and has a light with him. And Jones' character trusts his father to be there when they get to the destination they are going. Its just about how people have changed. Now look at the title of the movie.

[KiernanMooney]

I thought that last scene was so sad.

[splivey]

KiernanMooney: Which one? Where Javier gets a broken arm? Or when he kills the wife?

[KiernanMooney]

The very last one where Tommy Lee Jones is telling his wife about his dreams. I just think it was sort of a really sorrowful look at the sort of life that is in store for people who get old. The dreams, while not offering any sort of immediate and basic closure, certainly tie the movie together, and give closure for what the movie is psychologically about. Tommy Lee Jones, in a sense, is the lead in this movie because of what the movie represents.

[splivey]

Kiernan: In a broader sense I've also read that this story is a sad statement on the current state of our world. One of drugs, greed, violence, lack of morals or conscience.I myself cannot begin to tell you how depressing I find our current world. There seems to be no hope for current music.I long for the days when men were men and women were women. We must also live with fear, AIDS, terrorism, lack of morals, true romance, and the sweetness that used to make our world and the arts so amazing!

[jmiller006]

how old are you? every time faces its serious problems. drugs? used to be even more of a problem. terrorism? problem for awhile, its just first world countries have gotten a taste of it now and are involved in the fight to end it. and "lack of morals, true romance"? i dont know where you get that. give me a concrete example. trust me, we'll be allright.

[splivey]

jmiller: I'm 66. I've seen us evolve from a sweet, naive, exploring, caring, patriotic society to a deeply corrupt, fearful, disrespectful, nature destroying one. Many people much more sophisticated and learned than me agree we are at the end of something. How old are you?

[jmiller006]

1. dont believe you're 66. 2. im 20. 3. this movie was set in 1980.

[splivey]

jmiller: Well, I could say that I wish I wasn't that old but I wouldn't want to be young in this current day world. I was born in 1941. What does the film being set in 1980 have to do with anything?

[pmcfee2]

Can you please expand? I was to know when the West was sweet, naive and caring in YOUR lifetime. You were born in 41, just before Nagasaki and Hiroshima. You are the right age to have been in Vietnam, real peaceful war that was. What I think has happened is your blinders have been knocked off your face, and just now you are realizing how bad the west actually is.

[splivey]

pmcfee2: I would not have been in Vietnam. In those days, I was a young woman navigating through the turbulent Sixties. I never recall saying the "the West was sweet, naive and caring..." I was referring to life and people in the USA in the 1940 and 50's. I knopw the West was a violent place to live.

[pmcfee2]

I am sure in MOST nieghbourhoods that life is still quite idyllic and peaceful, but thanks to the internet and the proliferation of portable recording devices, the US govt. can no longer shield you from the truth. People were as underhanded and despicable in the 40's as they are now. Just now you see it in high definition.

[sauceyboy]

no hope for current music? idiotically said. if you think that there aren't good artists out there, maybe you should buy some music magazines and turn off mtv, you stupid fuck.

[splivey]

Sounds like you're assuming I haven't done that. Hmmm? I work in the music scene, sauceboy. Of course, there are a few good artists but, in general, the music scene has gone to the dogs...and somebody has definitely let them out.

[jmiller006]

if you are really 66, then its not surprising you cant listen and appreciate the music today. i appreciate the music from both my time and yours, both times have very talented artists. its too bad your "wisdom" hasnt let you see the light in both times and instead points toward an assumption that because this time is dramatically different from the 50's and 60's, we have no hope.

[themcfann]

I think your missing the point. There has always been shitty music. Now popular music goes from shitty to down right genius. It ebbs and flows back and forth. Right now its a safe bet that most popular music, cassy casum's top 40 type stuff is complete garbage. There was a time when really good bands were top 40.....just not now is all.

[splivey]

Jmiller: My "wisdom" lets me see the light, that's why I know the difference. Perhaps "your" age doesn't allow for that.And besides, you really have no choice than what they offer you today. Jmiller: Let's end this discussion now because our difference of opinion will go nowhere. Besides, the initial discussion was about NCFOM.

[jmiller006]

this is officially the first time i will call someone who claims they are in their 60's a douche bag.

[splivey]

jmiller: I was polite, reasonable and I made sense. Your last response on the other hand was angry, vulgar, abd totally uncalled for. Thanks for proving my point about your level of maturity and ability to perceive a situation accurately.

[shieldforumJim]

The most important dream was obviously the last one, where his father (mind you, he says, his father is younger technically) rides faster, but stronger and has a light with him. And Jones' character trusts his father to be there when they get to the destination they are going. Its just about how people have changed. Now look at the title of the movie.

[shieldforumJim]

also, think about the first dream. He loses money given to him by his father. To me thats kinda also similar to the times that are changing. Men like him today arnt as pressed to care about money so much. Many dont even have the same type of work ethic they had back then. Its changed so much.

eh, just my take on it.

[pmcfee2]

Get used to it, Cormac McCarthy is always a demanding and unsatisfying read. I threw 'The Crossing' against a wall when I finished it. And with more of his books being turned into movies, he will be pissing off more people than ever.

[deaded81]

americans are ridiculous. they always want closure.everyone wants a episode to come to n end in 30 minutES. cmon! the ending was fine. the movie was great! FOCUS ON THE CREATIVITY AND VISION

idiots!

[Templar613]

I totally agree, thats the problem with my american confused citizens, with movies along with tv shows they always need that assurance and closure to make themselves feel "ok,wheww that was close." not the coens. they embrace the simple,effective and best way, that is to force the audience to use their minds as to what they thought happened. many viewers want things to be handed to them which is very stupid and incorrect.

[grimreap792003]

i thought the ending was fine, not as bad as people make it seem

[takuya825]

Crud you!

[denisthemenace13]

Just saw the film up here in Canada...awesome flick!!!

[ManuelHung]

Problem being that the movie was faithful to the ending of the novel... Otherwise, pretty cool film.

[denisthemenace13]

No man...he's got DTs from alcohol withdrawal...it feels like there are bugs that are under the skin...

Coen brothers are awesome! Can't wait for No Country!!!

[pavlinaj]

Blood Simple and Barton Fink, can't be beat.

[OldYellowMan]

Check out Maestro Holland

Great ending!!!!!

[ejg4]

Joel Coen looks like a cancer patient.

[jpd2009RV]

no they both have a nervous tick

[maxmillion99]

fleas

[lepointe]

Do the coen brothers have flees? They're always scratching their backs.

[manonhusman]

I think so

[jivevids]

I just read the book and it is good.

Ultraviolent ! I hope they don't water it down. D

[0101854964]

9+8

[manonhusman]

= 17

[ProdigyLover83]

No, no, no -- *both* Joel and Ethan write, direct, and produce. However, idiotic Directors' Guild rules state that only one director can be credited. So Joel takes the official "Director" credit while Ethan takes "Producer."

It's all in name only.

[yohei72]

That rule must have changed recently, or they've gotten an exemption, or something. They've both been credited as directors on their last couple, I believe.

They also edit the movies - I just read the other day that "Roderick Jaynes," their regular editor, is just a pseudonym.

[JASONCANDLE]

rot in hell, you asshole...i hate you

[kevinhadsex]

this sucks

[highlonesome66]

Joel (left) directs all the films.....Ethan (right) produces.

[trementatis]

puff puff pass

[robtran]

Two of the greatest filmmakers in the history of cinema!

[cyclopticeye]

It was made 20yrs ago. You see folks DVD sales have destroyed any kind of control hollywood has over quality. In the past if a film failed the director was pretty much gone and now because of DVD we have no way of ditching. Fucking lame ass Tim Burton is the best example yet. He should have been out on his ass a long time ago.

[wayne763]

genre deconstruction/reinvention..th­at was Altman's gig over 30 years ago...time to move on boys...Oh Brother Where Art Thou was their last great film, IMO..Barton Fink their best, and they won't match it.

[cyclopticeye]

The cohen brothers haven't had a success in ages how are they still working?

[eternallybeatdown]

poetrevolving

what'd you ever do?

[eternallybeatdown]

besides miss an eye?

[cyclopticeye]

I'm a successful science fiction writer. And you're a nobody. Enjoy your poverty it will be with you always.

[eternallybeatdown]

i invented science fiction bi+ch

[cyclopticeye]

You are my new hero for your acid reply. I wish you wealth and happiness bi+ch. Do you write poetry?

[eternallybeatdown]

seriously i still love you as a fellow human so please take this gently BUT...

a bird's going to poop in your one eye very soon

[cyclopticeye]

Then I will have to make provisions in that event. I'll wear a monacle. How's that lady eternallybeatendownsyndrome?

[KiernanMooney]

Your arrogance makes me laugh. Thanks for representing the American Dream in it's fruition.

[LaughingBlood]

Damn that was the best you could do with the audio? It sounds like 2bit public access..

[robogil]

It sounds like they are making popcorn in the microphone. Speaking of microphone, here's a funny microphone bit: watch?v=fv1j7n98sYs

[steveconn]

Tommy Lee Jones sounds like an anti-New Mexico prick. F.U. Tommy!

[vwizzle]

REPRESENT THE SRC!!!

[bobjfs]

This must mean Steve Buscemi is in the film. His character dies whenever he is in a Coen Bros. film.