Julia Pearl

Screening Response #4

For this screening response, I would like to discuss No Country for Old Men. While this

film was shocking and powerful in its soundtrack, I think it is important to first look at the wide

number of genres it can be categorized into.

The movie had clear aspects that called up the stylistic and plot elements that speak to a

western genre. The scenes in the desert where the money was stolen from show open ranges, old

trucks, and many pieces of traditional cowboy attire. In addition to these stylistic patterns, the

film’s plot line based around revenge is another strong reference to this genre.

While this film strongly calls on the western genre, it also has elements of horror in it. Its

effective uses of sound and low lighting reference the iconography we commonly associate with

horror. This coupled with the suspenseful scenes where Chigurh is hunting down Llewelyn,

make for strong moments of horror.

The films shocking action sequences and graphic scenes of violence could also place it in

the action category. It also has the thematic elements related to an action film such as strength

and resilience within its characters and Llewelyn’s thirst for redemptive violence.

Finally, the lack of music within the film was a powerful tool to accentuate moments of

action and violence. The silence through the rest of the film made me cringe even more at the

sound of the air gun and the subsequent and graphic sounds of bodies falling against shower

walls or thudding to the pavement. This element was especially effective in the hotel scene

where the viewer can see the shadow of Chigurh’s boots outside the door. You’re just waiting to

hear the sound of the air gun kill Llewelyn. This draws viewers in as they listen intently for any
clue as to how the tense situation will play out. I really enjoyed this movie, and thought it was

wonderfully violent and suspenseful.