>> ^critical_d:

What is with Javier Bardem and the goofy hair?!?!

So he looks more villainy. That, or the cat.

What is with Javier Bardem and the goofy hair?!?!

Strange! Javier Bardem's character seems frightening... but fabulous.

Orson Welles best film: Touch of Evil or Citizen Kane? discuss:

Like most film buffs, no question I recognize the genius and influence of Citizen Kane, but in more recent years I just keep watching Touch of Evil over and over again. Welles' characterization is a riveting personification of evil and moral and personal corruption- ranks up there with Javier Bardem's Chigurh and Day Lewis' Plainview. And that opening shot? Fugeddaboudit.

The movie, imho, was the best of the year (sorry, Sarzy). I share the opinion of others that the assassin played by Javier Bardem was bloodcurdling terrifying- the most relentless, unstoppable killer since the first Terminator film.

The Coen's have made some of my favorite films. Among them The Big Lebowski, Fargo, Miller's Crossing and the overlooked Man Who Wasn't There. This film stands above all of the others- though The Big Lebowski holds a special place in my heart as a personal favorite.

Also, a note about the book- the movie is almost a perfect adaptation, right down to the "feeling" the viewer or reader develops. There is no further elaboration on the motivations of the characters, nor is the ending less esoteric. I saw the movie first and read the book over the Christmas holidays- loved it. Interesting that there is almost no punctuation in the novel... no quotations for dialogue, no commas in the text. Only the occasional period. It worked.

I must say, however, that the "bad guy" in NCFOM was without a doubt the SCARIEST motherfucker I have ever seen, heard or read about. Every time he showed up on the screen I was filled with terror and dread. I was worried about having nightmares about the man. Javier Bardem deserves all the "best actor" awards, hands down. He was the scariest, creepiest, most abhorrant asshole I have ever dealt with.

He scares me too, and I haven't even seen the movie yet.

Can't wait to see this. Coen Brothers + Javier Bardem = Awesome.