So last week I finally saw the movie I’d been hearing about for almost a solid year. I am a huge Cohen brothers fan and went in expecting A LOT. I did enjoy the movie…but not as much as I thought I would. First though, let me begin by saying that Javier Bardem gave one of the BEST villain performances I have ever seen. If he doesn’t get an Oscar nod for his role, then I may turn on the Academy like I did the BCS committee. If you can think of a scarier villain in any movie, I’d like to hear your suggestions because I sure cannot think of any performance that has made such an impression on me as Mr. Bardem’s.
I guess two things bug me…and they are mostly my fault. I did not read enough about the film to know what to expect before going in and I was left asking questions when the movie ended abruptly. I would have loved to have been able to sit in the theatre a bit longer to let the experience sink in, but my mental state was interrupted by cries of disbelief from the 3 or 4 other patrons in the theatre who had been looking for a NCIS or CSI-type ending. I have yet to figure out ALL of the symbolism present in the film (I get Chigurh is Death) and I was unable to feel for any of the characters’ struggles. The movies had some great lines; The ATM dialogue between Chigurh and Woody Harrelson’s character was great, as well as the encounter between Chigurh and the gas station attendant.
To tell you the truth, I might still recommend Gone Baby Gone for the overall experience. I’m sure voters will disagree with me, but if they can give the Best Picture nod to Shakespeare in Love OVER Saving Private Ryan, I think I am entitled to a personal choice as well.
