Both films have the same basic premise. The protagonist takes something that doesn't belong to him, and then is relentlessly pursued by a demonic antagonist. The Coens deftly use both Leonard Smalls and Anton Chigurh as symbols.
There are other, smaller similarities as well. Both movies are set in the desert Southwest. Both films have friendly police officers, and finally, both movies feature lengthy scenes with dogs chasing the protagonist. There are more, but you get the point.
Now, having tried to make the case that Raising Arizona and No Country for Old Men are basically the same movie, I want to give the Coens their due. These cats are auteurs, so I'm pretty sure they did it on purpose. Even though the films are quite similar, the tone is completely different. Raising Arizona was made pre 9/11, and the movie is essentially a comedy. NCFOM was made post 9/11, and it is most definitely not a comedy, unless you tend to the very dark. I have a feeling the Coens made the same movie to illustrate how different our world has become.
Of course, this could all be complete nonsense. I can't help myself. I watched a lot of Siskel and Ebert growing up.
The only two Coen brother movies I have watched were, "Fargo" and "O Brother, Where Art Thou". I find them a little 'out' there, my husband is a fan.
ReplyDeleteI recently saw "Raising Arizona" again. I tend to appreciate the Coen brothers movies more as I revisit them. I would have not made the connection with the similarities in both films. Thank you for taking the time to give it some thought. I'll have to do the same next time around.
ReplyDeletenice one mate, i enjoyed reading your theory which i pretty much share
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Looked up both names and came upon yer post. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Looked up both names and came upon yer post. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteWas just watching No Country and noticed that the scene where Anton searches Lewellyn's trailer is a lot like the one where Smalls searches the McDonnell's. In both cases, they immediately find a clue that tells them everything they want.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm sure this blog is long defunct, but solid theory id wish had been properly fleshed out.
ReplyDelete