Why THIS Was One Of The Most Terrifying Scenes In Film History

[@Nerdstalgic]

What do you think is the scariest scene in film history?

[@davidmckesey7119]

The most jarring the thing I seen is at the end of Enemy. I am not going to ruin it for those who have not seen it.

[@nicolasschultz7550]

I liked the clostriphobic scene from descent

[@FortKnox5529]

I think the most jarring movie I've seen is American Pscho, definitely not the "scariest" but definitely the one movie that keeps me up at night thinking about

[@first3017]

The cat in the hat

[@metamech7383]

Hannibal and Texas Chainsaw Massacre (the original). When Hannibal fed the owners face to his dogs, that disturbed me for years.

[@joeyeulo1489]

Gene Jones, the actor playing the gas station owner, is so good. He's so harmless here but is also so intimidating in a movie called The Sacrament, where he plays the leader of a Jonestown-like cult. Extremely underrated actor.

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

Can confirm, The Sacrament is great & he is _incredible_ in that film. I highly recommend it! Anyone wanting to see a more straightforward & less subtle horror treatment of the same subjects should check out a 2016 film called The Veil, with Thomas Jane in the analogous role.

[@mattmcd3523]

🤨👉Great observation Joey (second cousin to Gene Jones) Eulo

[@J.S325]

That movie literally lost 4 million dollars how tf does that happen? I haven’t watched it btw.

[@kevinmack8411]

He's also Sweet Dave, in H8ful 8.

[@timothystephenson2498]

cool

[@pythagorasaurusrex9853]

Usually it's a common thing in a movie theatre you hear people mumbling, slurping drinks and chewing popcorn. During this scene I realized that suddenly there was no sound at all but the two characters on the screen. It was dead silence, people literally holding their breath from the tension. Indeed one of the most iconic scenes in movie history ever.

[@NoNo-pw1fw]

As great as the scene is I don’t know if ur aware of the meaning of iconic

[@jm8997]

I was just about to let one rip when the movie theater went silent. I had to hold it in until the scene ended.

[@sanddabz5635]

@@jm8997 🤣

[@CliveNebula71]

@@jm8997 Did it make your breath stink? :-)

[@chaserogers2999]

The film as a whole is a true masterpiece. The weight of the old Sheriff while aware of the ruthlessness of the world but also being unpleasantly surprised of the evolution of the crimes. I love these breakdowns and your analysis is fantastic but I would also press for a moment of silence for the scene itself to live. So experience in real time even in portions even if it’s just the beginning, the middle, or the end. Great job! I also think Cohen Brothers most underrated film is probably Miller’s Crossing. A must see for those that haven’t.

[@andiezero]

In an article in GQ Magazine , Javier Bardem's own brother was sooo freaked out by his performance as Anton Chigurh in this movie, that when the lights turned on after the end of the film showing , he turned to Javier, and reportedly said : " Get the f__k away from me, man ! " .Bardem really nailed the ultimate homicidal psychopathic role !

[@governorsid1]

The movie was too violent and the Cohen brothers are too stupid.

[@anonymoususer602]

@@governorsid1 watch baby shark then

[@aenima1]

@@governorsid1 Damn man. These guys make classic movies and have earned studios hundreds of millions in ticket sales but "RaGerard" on KZbin thinks they're "too stupid"

[@videojuegos3dlocurasextrem949]

@@aenima1 Yeay, poor Coen Brothers😧😭🤪🤣😂😂 My god, RaGerad was bored I suppose, greetings friends :=")!

[@higherlunacy]

...procedes to like his own comment.

[@grapeshot]

He was without a doubt one of the best villains I've seen in a movie.

[@Nerdstalgic]

Agree!

[@termonic2542]

The only time I got terrified by someone in a movie, Javier Bardem killed the role.

[@dc9662]

Anton Chigurh is as scary and unstoppable as the T1000.

[@jasdanvm3845]

The fact that the movie ends the way it does tho...

[@jr2904]

@@termonic2542 no way, this is the guy playing Stilgar in Dune... It's gonna be epic

[@richmoreno9938]

I actually saw this scene at a friends house when I came over. She was already watching it. Without even knowing Anton’s character or what movie it was, I was already creeped out and captivated by this scene. If something can pull you in that quickly from one scene alone, I consider that to be excellent script writing.

[@terrencedeagle4429]

100 percent.

[@PritamJaykar]

Correction. Excellent direction.

[@richmoreno9938]

@@PritamJaykar True.

[@filmgirlLisa]

And excellent acting by Jarvier.

[@terrencedeagle4429]

One of the best performances of all time.

[@JimmyOlsson]

We know what Javier Bardem contributes to this iconic scene, but we must not forget how good Gene Jones is as the Gas Station Proprietor. The confusion and uncertainty in his face is absolutely believable and adds a lot to the fateful tension in the scene!

[@bit1733]

Exactly. He displayed an intense mix of fear, timidity, and lack of self respect flawlessly. That old man is a damn fine actor.

[@miker6090]

The scene works so well because we believe Gene Jones' character.

[@rayneozier]

Hitchcock had a great speech about building suspense. “You show 2 people at a table talking about baseball. Then you have the camera pan down to reveal a bomb with a 2 minute timer under the table. Then you have you characters continue talking about baseball. The audience is gonna be like OMG stop talking about baseball, there’s a bomb under the table!” Having the audience be knowledgeable about stakes that your characters are unaware of is an excellent way to build suspense/tension. This scene is a great example of that. We as the audience and Anton are aware of the stakes, but the shopkeeper isn’t. I think that’s a big reason why Anton seems so terrifying in this scene in particular.

[@user6008]

4:45 the shopkeeper's arm drops out of sight, where he grips the trigger on the double barreled sawed off shotgun mounted under the counter. Then sighs in relief knowing he isn't being robbed again, nor having to blow Antone Chigurh straight through the gates of hell :)

[@iainsteele5737]

@@user6008 that’s not true.

[@user6008]

@@iainsteele5737 Truth is one's interpretation applied to fictional reality.

[@iainsteele5737]

@@user6008 yes, but there objectively was not a gun though ya fucking weirdo

[@adrianpillai6645]

This scene is so rich because you could make 2 other (less great, but still entertaining) movies just from this one setup scene. 1) Anton kills the man, and this is the crime that sets off a tale of vengeance and a police manhunt for Anton. Or 2) the man kills Anton, and his troubles are just beginning. But this scene, whatever the other alternative outcomes could have been is perfection.

[@rhetiq9989]

The best thing about this movie is how it manages to make us feel terrified of a guy branding a Lord Farquaad haircut in broad daylight

[@WRLDconquer]

"some of you may die... and that's a chance I'm willing to take"

[@GuardianAngel..]

When I first saw the haircut I was thinking he might be a Justin Bieber fan.

[@ShaneJoshua1980]

😂😂

[@apexone5502]

😆😆😆

[@davidottley2739]

Good lord that made me laugh. Thanks for breaking the tension. 😂😂😂

[@jasonnewbery]

I LOVED his final line. “Then it will get mixed with the others and become JUST a coin…..which it is”. Absolutely chilling, intelligent, and deliberate. Awesome scene

[@OUTLAWinTX]

That’s your lucky quarter!! I love this movie.

[@WhiskerDooz]

then that look he gives the proprietor just cracks me up

[@christopherwellman2364]

I recently lost an Italian coin because I accidentally mixed it in with the others 😑

[@BillykOTW]

I find it hilarious that Anton seems to be please that he won the coin toss. His whole demeanor changes, like he just saved his life.

[@papabird4425]

Fate is the only law Anton believes he is bound to. It's possible that he didn't want the man to die at all, although he was ready to carry out the orders of fate, but relieved when he doesn't have to. What do you think?

[@BillykOTW]

@@papabird4425 It’s an interesting take. In this instance he may have not wanted to do it. But in others, as the case for Woody Harrelsons character, he took great pleasure out of killing him.

[@papabird4425]

@@BillykOTW and in that situation, I'm sure he relished being fates hand.

[@mm6461]

The coin is from 1958…not 1957

[@flamitaz]

I don't think he was relieved because fate had it that he let the man live, because it seems to Anton that whether the man lives or dies makes no difference to him. I think he smiles because he finds it funny that the gas station attendant will never know how close he came to dying. About the breadth of the edge of that coin. One more flip, or one less flip would have been a different fate. Also, i think he smiles because he doesn't have to do the extra work. He can just think to himself "huh. Guess I won't have to add to my to do list by killing this man." Although he may enjoy killing, i think he enjoys getting the job done/completing his mission more.

[@t.damianboyle622]

Javier Bardem is so believable as this character that it is truly spooky to observe. He is way too close for comfort. Genius acting and directing.

[@carljohan9265]

He is also excellent as Silva in Skyfall. Holy shit his introduction scene gives me chills.

[@hlcepeda]

Maybe too spooky for some people. In the theater there was an older couple sitting directly in front of us. Early on in the film when Chigurh used his cattle gun to kill the guy on the highway, the woman angrily yelled, "They always do that!" Then she and her husband immediately left the theater. Walking out on a film is one thing, But such a bizarre and baffling thing to say.

[@patricksibiya7861]

Must be the haircut.

[@1jazzyphae]

I always say if they are natural at this type of acting it's because they aren't acting anymore 🤣🤣🤣

[@carljohan9265]

@@1jazzyphae For some people it's actually easier to be someone they're not than it is to be themselves.

[@coffeetalk924]

Also creepy was when another man asked Anton the question, "Are you going to kill me?" To which Anton remaining quiet for a moment as if amused partly smiles and then replied, "That depends. Do you see me?"

[@runningbetweenspaces]

That's when we all would say "I don't even remember your face... Whoever you are"

[@CS-ui4qj]

@@runningbetweenspaces in real life if you are ever in that situation. do not ask dumb questions or make snarky comments like that. just say "if you are going to kill me then just get it over with, its not like i have a choice anyways". That or something similar. Especially if they ask the typical "you think i won't do it?". Make it very clear that you have no choice and do not add "please" or other words that sound like pathetic begging. Killers' thought processes are that they enjoy the fact they are absolutely in control of that moment, because they are never in control any other time in life. However, begging adds animosity and will have reverse effect. But that "enjoyment" will more likely than not ease them up enough to let you live. Take it from experience. 3 out of 3 moments so far and still alive and unharmed. So take it for what its worth.

[@runningbetweenspaces]

@@CS-ui4qj ummm this is a Wendy's lol

[@CS-ui4qj]

@@runningbetweenspaces triple baconator and a large chocolate frosty then please. lol

[@INDRIDCOLD83]

@@runningbetweenspaces The correct response would be "See what'?

[@L3GioG57A]

Man, that gas station guy must be terrified to talk to anyone ever again. “Haha, my kids can get annoying sometimes.” “That'll be $5.60”

[@cothinker680]

He will have nightmares about that.

[@wonkyeyewilly4575]

sometimes folks gotta lear the hard way. like when my neighbor leaves his mower out and i pawn it. im helping him.

[@FractalRaver]

Would he even know how close he came? It’s been a while since I saw this, but I dunno if he’s aware

[@FractalRaver]

@@wonkyeyewilly4575 not really you’re helping yourself. Chigur wouldn’t like that.

[@L3GioG57A]

@@FractalRaver ?

[@matthewgumabon7498]

The line about the coin having travelled 22 years to get there was always so thought provoking to me. If coins and dollars could talk, I’m sure they would all have some crazy stories to tell.

[@markh9675]

I totally agree...if you pause and think about that you realize that could apply to everything in your life. And I too think about the coins that have passed through my hands, where they've been, etc. I'll never look at a quarter the same again.

[@bigchungus8287]

I think that coin was used in several “bets” made by Anton on innocent people

[@jhayandrada5569]

Interesting stories indeed

[@darthsilversith667]

That’s one of the biggest reasons coin collectors like myself collect coins. For the stories they could potentially tell.

[@CN86443]

“I’ve been used for cocaine for the past 12 years.” “I was eaten and shitted out by a toddler.”

[@MERKAMGCLK]

Javier Bardem is a spectacular actor. His role here and as the villian in James Bond. Everything is so subtly under played. Yet is so powerful and dangerous . What is so great about Bardem is that in real life he is so nice, funny and self deprecating. A true class act.

[@harlonmccargar6092]

I love how chigurh never looks at him until the question about the weather, then never takes his eyes off of him, you never really think about it but it adds so much tension to the scene

[@IIISWILIII]

Yup. Exactly how apex predators behave in the wild

[@ErikDayne]

He didn’t see the guy as a threat until then. Once he did, he wasn’t going to ignore the threat until it had been dealt with.

[@BigBri550]

@@ErikDayne I don't know if he considered him as much of a threat as a nuisance. Then as Anton talked with the man more, he actually began to pity him and felt morally obligated to take him out of his nebbish existence

[@jakebrowning2373]

@@IIISWILIII yeah I remember hearing on Animal Planet that apex predators avert their gaze until the prey asks them about the weather

[@djantouahmed7319]

@@jakebrowning2373 what are you talking about?

[@NotRetulf]

The scariest part wasn't the movie itself, but that this was the most accurate to a real life sociopath/psychopath than any other movie.

[@amazantaarchives9289]

And his decisions are quick not prolonged no empathy no specific evil just results being ahead being clever

[@ttudoc5690]

Psychopath*

[@NotRetulf]

@@ttudoc5690 Thanks!

[@oscarhaydenperditionbound1195]

Not really. Most psychopaths don’t act like him. Though many of them probably think like he does deep down

[@barnacleboi2595]

Psychopaths dont act like psychopaths, they act like normal humans in real life. You wouldnt be able to spot one by sight or sound, no psychopath would willingly act like a psychopath lol

[@jeolban3287]

That was the scariest and tensest scene I have ever seen in my life. I watched the film thinking it would just be another serial killer flick I'd forget about minutes after watching it, but that scene is something I will never forget.

[@HotStrange]

I rewatched this movie recently and it really is a masterpiece. Tense in a way few other films are. The street chase/hotel scene, with its lack of score music, is incredible.

[@youtubegm3227]

Do you watch Force Thirteen?

[@barnacleboi2595]

I thought the same. That hotel scene was just rawer than anything else Ive watched.

[@LuisSierra42]

I saw Joel in front of Anton at 8:27 and i instinctively thought that Joel should run away fast

[@alexf0723]

This movie having barely any music makes it much more tense than it has to be

[@HotStrange]

@@alexf0723 agreed. Feels like you’re watching it happen in real time.

[@Theonu]

I remember seeing that movie and being so terrified yet so confused and surprised over how this character is so well done.

[@klhmia]

The weapon he used was one of the most insidious parts of the movie for me, especially after looking it up. It's called a 'Captive Bolt Stunner' and was invented with the sole intention of euthanasia which I also found interesting. Anton Chigurh seems brutal and savage, yet uses a tool that is meant to minimize pain and suffering on inevitable death.

[@donmcron3334]

I’ve been thinking about that a lot too. He’s this big scary maniac but you never see him torture anyone. I’m curious what county he’s supposed to be from. He’s Mexican right? There’s plenty of torture goes on down there… I think it’s implied he’s not Mexican though and an outsider.

[@MarcusConstantine_Cavalida21]

​@@donmcron3334 What business is it of yours where he's from?

[@ijnet9247]

@@MarcusConstantine_Cavalida21 LOL

[@RPG-oh1yf]

Since you didn't share enough information. A Captive Bolt Stunner is used to humanely killer hogs and beef cattle during slaughter. The bolt punches through the brain and renders the animal unconscious/dead and allows the animal's jugular to be slit, letting it bleed out quickly but the heart continues to pump for up to 2 minutes after being "stunned". Animal feels nothing however.

[@RPG-oh1yf]

@@donmcron3334 A captive bolt stunner is not designed for torture. Read my above response. I am familiar with how it's used in slaughterhouses.

[@TheLukeMonster]

Anton Chigurh scares me more than most allegedly scary villains because he feels like a killer that could actually exist. Yes, he's highly intelligent and skilled, but he never does anything supernatural. He doesn't practically teleport from place to place (Michael Myers), withstand an impossible amount of damage (Myers again, Jason Voorhees), or meticulously plan ahead for details he had no earthly way of anticipating (Joker in The Dark Knight). He does make mistakes and sustain injuries throughout the film, but his actions always remain on the right side of plausible, and that makes his presence so much more unsettling.

[@chriswhite2151]

Definitely. I am far more afraid of a psychpathic human than a guy with pins in his face or someone from dreamland

[@charleebrown7188]

He does have an extremely serious motivation, like John Doe from "Se7en".

[@mikemcgee5950]

He exists He is everywhere

[@johnskerlec9663]

He looks normal. And, As I now realise, the craziest killers are on the surface quite average looking. The crazy looking ones are probably the nicest most sincere people you could know.

[@gardenofeels6872]

@@johnskerlec9663 Ted Bundy was as normal looking as you can get. Women found him very attractive, and yet he had no problem murdering any of those women without a shred of remorse.

[@FinancialShinanigan]

Gas station guy on his deathbed: "That guy with the coin was weird."

[@Nerdstalgic]

Ha!

[@davidking4838]

Then he dies and his hand falls and releases an object - like in Citizen Kane - and.....you guessed it, it's a 1957 Quarter.

[@TheEntity0]

Hahaha

[@davidegaruti2582]

@@davidking4838 only if the 1957 quarter falls on tail as he dies

[@MsAggie78]

😂😂😂

[@scottrobertson6949]

This scene is brilliantly crafted to create an immense emotional response. You are literally saying No!! ...this poor old insignificant innocent man does not deserve what he could possibly by chance get. The brothers are true artisan's!

[@pp312]

For me the scariest scene in that movie was when Barden had Woody Harrelson at gunpoint in the hotel room. You know he's going to shoot, Harrelson knows he's going to shoot but there's nothing he can do but express his contempt for the guy: "Do you even know how crazy you are?" Chilling scene.

[@berniebernstein]

The fear is that this type of evil does exist. So always be prepared like a "boy scout." The old man in real life would have a .44 snub nose in his coveralls. The ex-con's cranium and cerebrum would suddenly separate. See...no fear. Be always prepared.

[@uncroppedsoop]

@@berniebernstein what the fuck did I just read

[@SKarthikeyan75]

Excellent choice. Coen brothers do such a good job of saying so much by saying little. Like the scene outside Carla Jean's house when Chigurh checks his boots.

[@Ashalmawia]

woody does a really good job acting that scene and you can feel the anxiety and dread in the pit of your stomach just as if you were sitting there yourself.

[@bneshel1514]

@@uncroppedsoop america

[@brendanbrunette5613]

The beauty of this movie is that it isn’t about Lewellyn Moss or Chigurh; it’s actually about Sheriff Ed Tom Bell and his journey to discovering that he is an old man.

[@rhetiq9989]

When I saw the movie for the first time the Lewellyn and Chigurh cat and mouse chase was the one I was hooked on while Ed Tom’s plot I thought was a side plot serving that conflict. Suffice to say I was cleverly misled, wasn’t even aware of what the film title actually meant

[@UraharaShoten]

Almost. It’s not necessarily him discovering that he’s old - it’s him discovering that crime and violence have become increasingly more depraved and even evil as time went on; to a point that he almost couldn’t understand it anymore and was relieved, in a sense to be retiring. In the final scene, he fears that even retirement won’t be enough to escape how sick it’s become, though.

[@thunderbird3304]

@@UraharaShoten No, in the ending he heard from his already retired friend about how violent the so-called "good old days" were. He _thought_ that crime became more violent and less understandable, when the truth is that such crimes have always happened in history

[@cross5025]

@@thunderbird3304 this is what i understood as well. The crime and violence was always there. The only difference is that the sheriff is now old. And he's come to the realisation that this is no country for old men.

[@IzraelGraves]

@@UraharaShoten I think you all sort of missed the joke.

[@andrewcattini1151]

The reason this scene is so terrifying is that it’s so believable. I can recall an incident when one innocent comment I made almost resulted in a fight, due to the other party (who was drunk, and in hindsight one of those guys who goes a bit Joe Pesci for the smallest of reasons). It’s so real. A conversation can turn immediately when one of those involved has those type of tendencies. You can make films as gruesome and sick as you want but films such as The Vanishing (and this) are far more terrifying for that reason, because they are believable.

[@brucetrueasblue]

I'd never been able to "put my finger" on why this is my favorite scene from this movie, but you nailed it. Good work. Anton Chigurh is about the most horrifying creature on film, and No Country for old Men is an instant Classic.

[@pricklypear7516]

Dramatic irony is when the audience knows something that the characters don't. The Coens totally capitalize on it here. That poor old sot is expecting the usual: a normal transaction between equals. The kind all of us have a dozen times a day. It's the speed with which his illusion of equal power is entirely stripped from him, and the actor's skill at portraying the recognition that this guy would kill him as soon as look at him, that unnerves us. Yet he's STILL reluctant to admit it; he's STILL clinging to the idea that perhaps HE'S made some kind of mistake. It could be any one of us, and we realize that all our comfortable assumptions about life in a civil society are in fact very, very precarious.

[@paytonwirtjes523]

Christophe waltz playing hans landa is the most intimidating character of all time, but this guy is def top 10

[@Reykh24]

Undoubtedly the most terrifying character in cinema, who tenses up a room with two words.

[@Nerdstalgic]

Call it

[@Reykh24]

@@Nerdstalgic sir?

[@workingpeon9316]

Yeah this guy freaked me about so much when I watched this movie as a kid.

[@cothinker680]

@@workingpeon9316 so how old are you now?

[@MrMurder0321]

@@cothinker680 Is this where Chris Hanson asks you to have a seat?!

[@JerreMuesli]

This is easily one of my favorite movies of all time. The setting, the minimalism, the pace, the constant tension... Everyone involved in the making of this motion picture did a wonderful job. ❤

[@joebikeguy6669]

This scene was so good because Gene Jones portrays a man who is trying not to show how afraid he is. He knows something is really wrong, but he is not sure what.

[@kierankennedy6971]

I don’t believe chigurh cared about the secrecy. He saw a man who was innocent, saying meaningless things to pass a meaningless day in a meaningless life. He became annoyed with the man simply because he seemed inferior and a waste of space.

[@jessdatip4152]

That's a good take on it.

[@Oiuytkjhgfmnbvc]

I’d say he saw a man who was weak more than innocent and weak again more than inferior. I don’t think he was looking down on the guy, just making his weakness apparent without actually bullying him, which is what made it so powerful. He exposed the guy to himself, essentially, not by being aggressive but simply replacing meaningless chit-chat with words that meant something

[@victorylane2377]

I agree 100%. That's why he tells him not to put the coin in with the others in his pocket. Don't be ordinary in a meaningless ordinary world.

[@Shari1565]

@@Oiuytkjhgfmnbvc Wow🤯

[@mommy2libras]

It definitely wasn't about secrecy, especially considering that it wasn't his car anyway so the plates have nothing to do with where Chigurh is actually from. And if it was about secrecy he would have killed him, not even giving him a chance to "win" his life.

[@celinavarchausky5333]

Felt so tense the entire video, you explained the feeling so well

[@akelagold]

When I first watched this scene I got the sense that there was no "right" call. It didn't matter if heads came up or tails, Anton was in complete control of this man's life, to be decided in a moment on a whim.

[@INDRIDCOLD83]

True, Anton could have just said tails was the correct answer and killed him then and there.

[@lolicongang.4974]

Nah he like two face ahh i think your innocent. But let's see what the coin thinks.

[@AtZero138]

Ok.. since we are Fans of this film... I always liked the idea.. that he didn't Kill the Motel Lady.. due to her being assertive with him.. although he might have.. I prefer thinking his smile.. is his mind laughing at her being so close to Death.. peace folks

[@rodneymolidorjr.6095]

I envy the character for having won that coin toss. Not only did he just win everything, but he now owns a genuinely tested lucky coin to use on his scratch tickets for the rest of his life.

[@kavijackson868]

Nice!!!

[@CarlosDiaz-hf3qv]

LMAO!!!

[@khabanh6928]

but he doesnt seem to realize it tho. we all know cuz we witness the murderer since the beginning of the film, this poor old man doesnt.

[@natet5959]

This is a masterful scene. The acting, direction, the dialogue, the lack of a musical score, the enormous tension. Only the Coen Brothers could pull this off.

[@Locadel2003]

Javier Bardem was just absolutely phenomenal

[@AnthonyWilliams-bs4cd]

One of the best sentence I heard was, "you get closer to perfection, not when there's nothing more to add, but when there's nothing more you can strip from it", this scene, without music but the few strings at the end, without prominent lighting is one of the best exemple of this. Thanks for the analysis!

[@m.ericwatson968]

Carson says to Moss regarding Anton "He, doesn't have a sense of humor" which I disagree with, Carson is wrong, Chigur has a truly dark, wicked sense of humor; as he toys with the gas station attendant, "Is there something wrong?" "With what?" that makes me laugh every time, the snarky delivery though the situation is still deadly serious "you're asking if there's something wrong with anything?" Then he asks what time the gas station attendant goes to bed, "9:30, about 9:30" Chigur replies "I could come back then", that is some psychological torment. Perfectly acted scene and certainly one of the most frighteningly effective scenes of tension between 2 people, no music, just a simple back and forth exchange.

[@cryogoblinTV]

This scene also plays into the title of the movie (No Country for Old Men), a theme that the Sherriff explores: being that while he initially assumes the world to be growing more violent and chaotic, he realizes it's always been that way and that his old age has more or less sensitized himself to the ruthlessness of the world. This is primarily displayed through the Sherriff, however this scene with the shopkeeper helps convey that message as well. Whether or not the shopkeeper comes to this realization isn't explored, but you definitely understand after Chigurh leaves that the shopkeeper is in his world, and was simply allowed to live only because he let him.

[@Dre9Mega]

I remember years ago while working in a Caribbean restaurant a customer appeared, he started ordering some fried chicken and rice&peas and I immediately followed with "would you like curry goat or oxtail gravy on that?" I asked this question because most customers actually preferred one or the other. However, this customer was different, he immediately started getting irate, at first I thought he was joking but he was actually pissed, to the point of actually wanting to fight me. I was so confused and so a female coworker tended to him instead, funny thing is she asked the same question and he simply gave a polite answer. That scenario may have not been as suspenseful as this scene but its a good example of what can happen when you encounter someone with a few screws loose.

[@tominieminen66]

Maybe he was her stalker/admirer and was irritated that he got you

[@gooddaysahead]

God bless you

[@klaus_vans]

No country for old men is one of my favourite movies of all times and the performance of Javier Bardem is one of his finest in his extremely high level career ! Never get tired to watch it from time to time 😎

[@tesserthelost]

I don't know if the store clerk didn't understand the gravity of the situation. Watching the scene, I always felt that the owner knew in his bones that something life-altering was going to happen. A warning light blinking in the back of his brain, forged in the trial and error of a million years of evolution. If this had been the opening scene of the movie, and had we not witnessed the monster that he is, the terror would have been just as palpable, and the tension just as thick.

[@x3ph34r]

I've never seen this movie and in fact have only seen this particular moment. Admittedly, I did see trailers so I knew he was a killer, but you're right. With THAT as the only part I've seen, I can firmly say that the sheer, oppressive gravity can be felt even without setup. In my opinion, it's one of those rare circumstances of a perfect scene where the intent from the filmmaker is truly and fully felt by the audience.

[@hafirenggayuda]

I interpreted that he realize but kinda dismiss it. Like "Okay, this guy is scary and angry, but he's probably calm down if I'm being polite, he's not going to kill me, I'm just overthinking"

[@TrueThanny]

It's clear he knew. He asked what was at stake in the coin toss because he didn't want to believe his life was actually on the line, but the answer clinched it.

[@michelleaime3300]

What is really scary is that anyone believes that we "evolved" over millions of years

[@desmonides]

@@michelleaime3300 🤫 you correct but unfortunately the Truth isn’t for everyone

[@savigg174]

This movie is a masterpiece.

[@taroman7100]

Just another work of violent crap allowed in cinema for sometime now. Goes right along with the rise of violent crime in our country. I recall when people couldnt watch these scenes now they watch these and worse with laughter.

[@supersaiyanzero386]

@@taroman7100 ok boomer

[@macescoolchannel]

@@taroman7100 You don't know the first thing about the movie, or the novel.

[@ubergoober25]

@@taroman71002 years later and this comment is still dumb.

[@mullinsa.m8438]

Javier Bardem is a truly amazing actor. Playing great spooky believable characters.

[@hunterkiller1440]

I hope the DCEU Two Face will have terrifying scenes like these.

[@atwunz]

How about shooting and saying crap, instead?

[@WLY2718]

I doubt DCEU have the writing skills to pull anything like this off

[@channel45853]

@@WLY2718 then hire these people like they did with James Gunn

[@bombboy3427]

Exactly what I thought when I heard of this scene. Never got why two face wasn't more like this. His life was ruined by chance and external factors, why shouldn't he ruin others in the same way?

[@channel45853]

@@bombboy3427 two-face could be a terrifying villain, they just gotta write him right. (So, like any villain)

[@Melted_Butter]

You missed an overlooked element. The perfect casting of the shop attendant. He’s older, looks friendly, and basically someone you identify as a happy grandfather type figure. Someone you instinctively like and care for. Because you feel for him, the stakes are higher, the viewer is invested. His death or life is significant and that keeps and raises the tension.

[@Faintwolf]

Its not fair to say he missed it, because he did speak on that for a moment but you do add a good point that the stakes are higher because we care for the sweet innocent old man.

[@ballinboxer3676]

That's a very superficial and shallow element lol

[@d.w.stratton4078]

Narrator said the actors for the scene and also the Cohen quirk and that this guy looked the part of an innocent.

[@dingfeldersmurfalot4560]

@@ballinboxer3676 Why, because you don't like relaxed or genial people in general, or old people in particular?

[@ballinboxer3676]

@@dingfeldersmurfalot4560 huh?

[@DVincentW]

The tension in the peanut wrapper, as it expanded from the pressure of Chigurs hand. That is excellent film making.

[@carrottopevans]

Good to hear familiar voices! Focusing on one scene and analyzing all the parts in play never ceases to amaze me! Thank you for the Friday boost, Nerdstalgic

[@Nerdstalgic]

Thanks (as always) for the kind words!

[@zachwolfrom4522]

I love the fact that even though I was blessed with a strong back but soft mind, there are people like you that are able shed some light on how deep and heavy art can be. I wish I could lift the weight of art, but cannot. Cheers

[@eamonnb2]

Expressing yourself so beautifully shows that your mind is anything but soft. Good words!

[@KidFresh71]

A soft back & strong mind ain’t better- just a variation on our imperfect human condition. You expressed yourself beautifully.

[@lindahandley5267]

SO well said!

[@gloriaf6971]

This scene was quite scary. I held my breath until it was over. I didn't want that guy to be killed.

[@benjaminb6678]

The shot of the candy wrapper sends chills down my spine.

[@highvisibilityraincoat]

corny af

[@sindri1447]

@@highvisibilityraincoat was it a Corny wrapper?

[@ANomadWanderingTheBadlands]

@@sindri1447 Worny Crapper

[@Afrimusican]

@@ANomadWanderingTheBadlands Crappy Worner

[@fatmayo2293]

The very sound of it, the plastic slowly uncrinkling......and expanding.

[@mikegamerguy4776]

Not the scariest, but it was the last film that made me legit jump. I had gone a long time un-phased by anything scare on the TV or big screen. I watched Deep Blue Sea. A thing in one scene happened so unexpectedly it actually got me good. Nothing has jump scared me since that film except for my wife losing her shit at the top of her lungs during scares and some things that aren't even supposed to be scary in movies. Yeah, her shriek gets me a lot, and I start laughing every time.

[@dvishunintendoed489]

Does dhe shark have any windus? 😹 😹 😹 😹

[@umachan9286]

Anton is an absolutely terrifying character because he's so human. Horror characters have this air of inhumanity about them. But this guy is just a guy who doesn't compromise. He doesn't raise his voice. He doesn't do anything but he gives off this aura of menace about him. He's a guy you don't want to mess with because he could just as easily blow you away without batting an eye as he could smile pleasantly and wish you a nice day.

[@safespacebear]

Anton is very scary in this scene...no doubt but the gas station attendant, err, the man who plays him, does an amazing job selling the fear.

[@zanderxymox]

I just watched this movie a few nights ago, I don't think I've ever been so impressed by a film keeping me on the edge of my seat for most of the time. 11/10 definitely one of my favorites now, Javier's performance alone is worth watching this movie for.

[@ehmildabstamfransson8173]

A brief additional comment on how the characters are framed: Bad guy is clad in dark clothes, with dark hair, against a dimly lit background. He -is- the darkness. The owner of the gas station resides inside a small, bright window of light in dark surroundings. His clothes are a similar colour as the backdrop - he blends in. Their framing is representative of their character. Brilliant scene and very interesting use of scenery.

[@throughdude23]

We really need to get back to movies like this. This movie is one of my all time favorites.

[@brendadrew834]

Very interesting, intelligent analysis of this one scene from a great Coen Brothers film. This professional artist /painter/composer appreciates your tips, thank you. Spot on!

[@mercyrn35]

This movie is one of my all-time favorites. It hit every emotional touchstone. Woody Harrelson also was amazing and added a much needed lightness to this film.

[@tommybutler2454]

Anton Chirguh scared me to death, in that movie, and in that scene especially, he was fantastic.He always plays mysterious and dark characters. He was one of the greats for sure. Beloved actor for sure. Great video !

[@SomaliCoastguard]

What stood out to me was Javier Bardem looking on as directed how to strangle the cop, 08:34, and giving a gentle nod as if to say "Well yes, of course, that's how I've always done it."

[@BrightSeaStar]

: DDDD (nervous laughter)

[@jeffcrist2977]

What startled me the most of any movie I've seen so far was the choking seen, The jailer's black shoes leaving scuff marks on the floor. That was brutal. More brutal than blood and guts. Too real. My stomach dropped and I was depressed the rest of the show. If I'm left cold and empty, that's a well crafted movie.

[@hpa2005]

For someone who told the Coen brothers that he hates violence, Javier Bardem was nonetheless very convincing in his portrayal. Along the same lines: According to a January 2018 article in Business Insider, a group of psychiatrists studied 400 movies and identified 126 psychopathic characters. They chose Javier Bardem's portrayal of Anton Chigurh as the most clinically accurate portrayal of a psychopath. (from IMDB)

[@scorpionwins6378]

Javier Bardem is outstanding. This film is easily my favorite antagonist role of his acting career. Skyfall a close second.

[@TrueThanny]

The guy knew his life was on the line. He asked what was at stake because he wanted to believe it wasn't, but the answer ("Everything") dispelled that hope.

[@camronbitzer3159]

"... And it'll become just another coin... Which it is.." Something about that line... I love it

[@rocclimbing8123]

Somewhat pertinent to the discussion as to why this scene is so terrifying is that the fan belts on display behind the clerk share a pretty obvious resemblance to nooses. This man is on the gallows and Chigurh who already strangled someone on screen, may or may not be about to do it again.

[@mreboric8406]

When someone calls you friendo they are most likely NOT your friendo

[@volkerw.]

I absolutely adore this scene - must have watched it a thousand times by now. And it never gets old.

[@harrisonmccartney4878]

This is such an off-putting scene for the character because up until this point and all throughout the rest of the movie we're given the impression that Anton enjoys killing and takes advantage of every opportunity to do so, but here his motivations for murder are made completely clear: he kills only when it is necessary, and leaves the death of anyone he doesn't have to kill up to fate. What's even stranger is that when he does murder other people he seems emotionless and detached, completely unresponsive to the brutal violence he inflicts upon others, but when the coin toss comes up in the man's favor he seems genuinely surprised and even a little happy that the man gets to live. It's a reaction that is totally at odds with how so many other psychopathic killers are portrayed where they get a sick thrill out of killing and are disappointed when their prey escapes, but here Anton seems almost relieved that the man escapes with his life. It completely turns the idea that Anton is your average movie psycho murderer on it's head and introduces a complexity to his psychology that defies expectations and tropes, and makes it even harder to pin down exactly what he is, just like Hannibal Lecter who has impeccable manners and a highly cultured demeanor despite his violent ferocity in murdering and cannibalizing his victims.

[@skinnybub5237]

What movie did you watch of course he enjoys killing didn’t you see the look on his face when he strangled that cop?

[@CA-or9ix]

Sociopaths/psychopaths are often portrayed as one dimensional. Chigurh is a rare exception, which is what makes his character so interesting and compelling. In reality psychopaths and sociopaths are not generally one dimensional, and actually are capable of empathy. The difference is that their minds are highly compartmentalized and they can turn it on and off. Chigurh views himself as a man with a higher philosophic purpose and takes life more seriously than anyone else in the film. In a sense, he is a philosophic force himself, and that's why he's so terrifying to people. He doesn't fall into the general traps of convenience that prevents most people from living as authentically as he does, for better or for worse. It's been a few years since I last saw this movie, but this is the impression of his character and significance that I was left with.

[@paulhunter6742]

You mentioned Hannibal Lecter If you check out the prequel film which goes into his childhood in past. You finally get understand why he became such inhumane person. I can not give away plot. Hint, it's something he ate.

[@Ryu_Kage.]

Please stop trying romanticize a cereal kiII3r

[@queefedworm]

@@Ryu_Kage. Shut the fuck up with your tik tok esque censoring and tik tok esque talking point "DUNT ROMANTICIZE CEREAL KILL3RS GUYS IT BAD BAD NO DO DO" You do realize you don't fit in to adult conversation?

[@debbiedebbie761]

The writing, acting, mood, suspense buildup -- everything in this scene was brilliantly done. I can think of 4 other movie scenes at the moment that made quite an impact on me: the shower scene in Psycho, the head twist in The Exorcist, the first death in Jaws, and the fall scene in Cliffhanger.

[@josebatxu32]

I don't know if you mentioned this but Javier's acting in this scene is IMPECCABLE, TEXTBOOK

[@mevinsmiley5210]

No Country is one of the most underrated suspense films of all time IMO.

[@ArtamisBot]

I really like coded conversations... It adds a certain level of nuance to repeat viewings and usually adds to the feelings being portrayed in the scene.

[@Biranavan]

The thing is watching this scene without context still drives the same point which is what I find incredible, you know this man is in danger but you don't truly know why (without context)

[@bleedingfingers7457]

This gas station scene is one of the best ever dialogues in a movie.

[@danielvasquez8830]

This coin has traveled a long way.

[@sherryarflin726]

This movie so good. Javier Bardem played one of the best roles I’ve seen in ages.

[@mikewiz3059]

even without the context of the police officers death prior, the scene still carries a heavy tone that gives off the same vibe. even without knowing that the scene still works. just shows how good it is.

[@tanngrisnir1309]

After watching the film I thought it would have been even better if they never showed him killing anyone prior to this; just have a scene where the policeman shares his name and photo with the deputy so the audience knows the guy is a killer but unsure during this scene if he will do it; would have taken the suspense from a 9.5 to a 10.

[@ileutur6863]

I'm fond of this scene because I first saw it out of context at a film class, before I ever saw the full movie or knew its plot. I didn't know that Anton was actually a killer so that ambiguity raised the tension even further.

[@Dilligff]

I was going to make a similar argument that you did not need the context of the police station or the roadside execution to get a sense of Anton's character. This could have very well been the opening scene and it still would've given chills. The subtext was clear and Bardem's performance, as well as the old man's growing unease, pretty much delivered on the idea of what could happen without having to physically show the potential result of making the wrong call.

[@GuardianAngel..]

You didn’t know Anton was a killer, if I saw a guy looking like that working in a Pet Shop I would have what l like to call my Western Union moment meaning that I would transfer out of there so freaking fast that it would make Usain Bolt look slow like molasses on a cold winters night.

[@ileutur6863]

@@GuardianAngel.. pretty sure I explained that in my original comment

[@ClarenceSampang]

Upon watching No Country For Old Men for the first time, my girlfriend and I noticed that it's like we're literally watching a horror movie. Better yet, we concluded that we watched something more horrific and suspenseful than what most horror movies, in its most stereotypical and generic description, deliver.

[@shrimmirhs292]

Jesus Christ. This was a BRILLIANT breakdown of such an iconic scene. You're so good at what you do.

[@DonJuan911]

One of the best films in movie history imo. Anton is psychopath but that makes the film much more fun and interesting.

[@K-OnTheCase]

Thank you for this. This is a movie I haven’t yet seen, but intended to. This scene in itself illustrates just how powerful a Cohen Brothers movie can be. It will be on my list of movies I must see as soon as I can! Thanks much for the reminder! 👍🏼

[@KastaRules]

Very few scenes in the History of Cinema feel absolutely Flawless like this one.

[@tisdue]

this movie is a masterpiece. i love how, at the end, anton insists on paying a child for his help (the shirt) rather than accepting any sort of human kindness

[@michaeldbrandt1086]

That scene was a mirror image of an earlier scene when Llewellyn Moss (Josh Brolin) limps into Mexico shot up by Chigurgh. All of the Coen brothers movies revolve around the themes of good and evil, right and wrong.

[@IsLaxLife]

Chigurh's eyebrow 👀 look followed by "which it is" is the best part of the scene for me. Finally lets us breathe. Such an atmospheric shift from pre-flip to post-flip. It's also just hilarious.

[@titusyang777]

Was lucky to have a Cohen Brothers film class in my Community College. Great stuff.

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

Which one was it?

[@titusyang777]

@@TomEyeTheSFMguy which what

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

@@titusyang777 which movie?

[@Wired4Life2]

Sans "h", I hope.

[@titusyang777]

@@TomEyeTheSFMguy Most of them including this one. It was a class on directors and the Cohen Brothers was the term's study.

[@210raab]

“Do what you love, and you'll never work another day in your life.” - Anton Chigurh

[@chanroobi7460]

I remember seeing this movie with my friends and how uncomfortable we felt during this scene and others. This character was truly an evil one!

[@CH-sl5eq]

This and Fredo Corleone's "I'm smart" scene are my two favorite scenes featuring outstanding performances from supporting actors.

[@n4ko]

that pepper wrap scene *releasing the audience” that’s genius i think i always felt it but never put it together what it was. why they held that shoot for so long. but it makes sense and it feels like relief

[@makermarx]

2:06 The "nooses" hanging in the window behind the proprietor contrast starkly with the happy background you described.

[@lalkwe7311]

One of Javier Bardem's best performances. I got goosebumps.

[@Rayzorbladez]

This is, by far, the greatest movie scene of all time. And as amazing as Bardem was here, let's not forget Gene Jones who is also incredible here.

[@deltacharlieecho4732]

I've never seen this movie, but this scene draws an incredible parallel to the Raymond K Hessel scene from fight club. The tone of "you put that quarter in your pocket and it gets mixed in with the rest and becomes just a coin" feels almost identical to "Tomorrow will be the most beautiful day of Raymond K Hessel's life. His Breakfast will taste better than any you or I have ever had."

[@garyweglarz]

Bardem's character Chigurh and Anthony Hopkin's portray of Hannibal Lecter - are the two characters that just stick with me over the years and still creep me out.

[@jeffreyatlee8785]

The words " which it is" haunt me forever. I think they capture the savage random nature of Chigurh

[@martinfarr9047]

This is one of my favourite movies of all time. So underrated. He plays this part so well, one of the most terrifying characters ever written/acted.