No Country For Old Men Scene Analysis

Question 1

what techniques are used to encourage active spectatorship in NCFOM

Answer 1

1. lack of score
2. elliptical editing
3. sparse/lack of dialogue
4. moral ambiguity

Question 2

what does the lack of dialogue in NCFOM do

Answer 2

give space to process the events

Question 3

why might spectators pledge allegiance to Moss

Answer 3

more in line with coontemporary morals and wishes to improve his family’s chances for a better life

Question 4

what does Anton use as a weapon

Answer 4

captive bolt pistol

Question 5

where would spectators take passive viewings to NCFOM

Answer 5

1. introduciton to Moss (as a hero)
2. parts of the opening sequence
3. Anton as the villain

Question 6

what is twinning

Answer 6

the repetition of events, similar activities/behaviours

Question 7

when does twinning happen in NCFOM

Answer 7

1. implied Anton is pulled over=Anton pulls someone over
2. Anton kills a man=Moss shooting the animal
3. Anon sits and drinks milk in Moss’ house=Bell doing the same

Question 8

what is the significance of twinning in NCFOM

Answer 8

1. question the morals of characters through mirroring
2. symbolises that nothing has changed (same behaviours=same characters)
3. makes Anton humane
4. shows that America was always like this

Question 9

what does Anton’s representation symbolise

Answer 9

1. immigration crisis that overwhelms the Southern States
2. the changing West
3. uncertainty that American’s feel anything regarding immigration and its dangers

Question 10

what narrative is employed in NCFOM

Answer 10

elliptical linear narrative

Question 11

which characters suggest that America is unwilling to embrace change

Answer 11

the old men

Question 12

how does NCFOM reinforce dominant attitudes in society through its representation of ethnicity

Answer 12

has a demonic representation of ethnicity which feeds into growing unrest and the belief, among mainly working-class white Americans, that immigration is a threat to culture and society

Question 13

how does NCFOM reject dominant attitudes within society

Answer 13

is a satirical and post-modern film which is trying to challenge representations of immigrants

Question 14

what are the reasons for denying the spectator violent imagery

Answer 14

1. shows the changing West
2. provokes active spectatorship
3. shows there are different threats for the modern day (terrorism is a hidden threat)

Question 15

what is a scopophillic spectator

Answer 15

one that has a desire or gains pleasure from watching onscreen violence

Question 16

what is a self-censor spectator

Answer 16

one that often makes the personal decision to withdraw or avoid brutal scenes

Question 17

who could NCFOM foreshadow regarding immigration

Answer 17

Donald Trump’s presidency and promise to build a 1900 mile wall to stop illegal immigration

Question 18

how could a pasive spectator interpret NCFOMs ideologies

Answer 18

1. accept dominant ideologies and the biased view of Mexicans
2. accept preferred reading

Question 19

how could active spectators interpret NCFOMs ideologies

Answer 19

1. identify representations of ethnicity as unfair
2. provoked them to question Coen’s ideologies
3. understand that the film is potentailly satirical