Thinking about "No Country"

Three months have passed since Lindsey and I saw No Country for Old Men., and I am still thinking about the implications. The final monologue escorted the viewer into a very important conversation about the nature of evil, and the film started this conversation by asking the question if hope can exist in a world full of seemingly unstoppable evil.

Take a moment to read an excellent article from the "Relevant Magazine" website discussing some of the ideas coming from the film. Then come back and read a few more comments that I have to add. (NOTE: IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THIS MOVIE AND PLAN TO WATCH THE MOVIE AT ANY POINT, DO NOT READ THE LINK OR THE REST OF THIS BLOG AS IT IS LADEN WITH SPOILERS)

This is a great article with some very thoughtful commentary; however, I want to add one more thought that I feel the author overlooked when discussing Chigurh's epiphany after his car wreck. Yes, I agree that Chigurh was rocked to the core by his realization of his lack of control after his wreck. However, I also see that he had another critical realization.

After walking out of his car alive, he stumbled upon two teenage boys who selflessly asked if he needed any help and if he was ok. This encounter with these innocent and giving boys seemed to further rock him to the core. Prior to his accident, Chigurh had a conversation with a character justifying his acts of murder by claiming his belief that no good existed in others. When he encountered these boys, he offered them money, and left without harming the boys. This encounter is the final encounter that the viewer watches with Chigurh.

This part of the plot is important to acknowledge because the scerne provides an integral aspect in the final development of Chigurh's character. (The encounter with the boys also serves as a dynamic contrast to the encounter that Moss had with the college age boys after his accident at the Mexican border.)

Does good exist in people? Do we have someone walking ahead with a light preparing a fire for us?
As a Christ follower, I have no doubt in my mind that a great goodness exists, and we can place our hope in God's goodness. But what about all the evil in the world? How does all this reckon? This is why the conclusion to this film is so important. Characters like the teenage boys who offer help to Chigurh give us a hint that Cormac McCarthy (the author of No Country) also believes that hope does exist. It makes me think that the author believes the same as I...that there is someone waiting ahead of us with a light to guide us and a fire to warm us in a cold world.