Introduction: Fate in “No Country for Old Men”
Fate in “No Country for Old Men” plays a central role in shaping the characters’ destinies, influencing their decisions and ultimately determining their outcomes in the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the Texas borderlands. Keeping in mind the entire plot of the movie – the deeply rooted evil within the characters of all three main characters, the tools used in this movie – both literal and figurative – become a topic of interesting discussion. Whether it is the weapons and guns used in this movie, the greed and chase for money to buy people and their loyalty, or simply people themselves, each of them can be considered a tool used in this movie from their own unique and intriguing perspective. The kinds of tools used in the plot and story of this movie can be categorized into four different aspects – firstly, the weapons and other accessories used to kill others and overcome death; secondly, money is used as a tool; thirdly, people themselves, for example, Chigurh is thought of as a tool; and finally, the entire movie’s tools.
Characters and Fate in “No Country for Old Men”
There are a number of weapons, guns, and different arms used by the main lead characters in this movie, either to protect themselves from any kind of danger or simply to brutally kill those who get in their path. The common tools seen in the movie include screwdrivers, saws, binoculars, and even maps in some scenes. However, the movie also shows the use of specialized weapons that these men use to kill others. For example, the instrument that Chigurh owns is basically like an oxygen tank, typically used to slaughter livestock in slaughterhouses, which is connected to a bolt gun (Jutel). The concept and idea behind designing such a tool clearly portray the character and personality of Chigurh. He has no sense of empathy or remorse for his actions, as evidenced by his calm and composed demeanor while using the instrument to brutally murder people. Chigurh’s violent nature is further demonstrated when he uses a silenced shotgun to murder someone without alerting his surroundings.
Chigurh always confronts people head-on, as he is considered an evil and immortal spirit, whereas Moss tries to stay one step ahead of his enemies and avoid direct confrontation. He strategically uses his weapons and tools to fight and overcome death, such as designing a weapon structure with a gun and tape to protect himself from potential threats. Despite Moss’s efforts to evade death, it continually finds him, exemplified by the transponder in the briefcase that leads his enemies to him. Moss hoped to defeat death and start a new life with the briefcase, but ultimately, fate had other plans for him.
Money and Fate in “No Country for Old Men”
If analyzed closely, the two-million-dollar briefcase becomes a catalyst for the loss of innocent lives. Moss seeks to escape with the money for a better life, while the drug dealers pursue it to reclaim their lost fortune. Money has the power to blind individuals, driving them to actions they wouldn’t normally consider. Chigurh, however, is indifferent to the monetary value, focusing instead on the challenge presented by Moss. Money serves as a tool or catalyst for Chigurh, influencing his actions and strategies. While he may not desire money, he understands its power and utilizes it to his advantage, knowing that people can be easily manipulated by monetary incentives. The coin toss scenes illustrate Chigurh’s belief in chance and probability, shaping his decisions and actions. Money is also used by Moss at the motel to legitimize his activities, highlighting its ability to influence perceptions and behaviors. Similarly, when Chigurh is injured, he uses money to persuade a stranger to aid him, demonstrating how financial incentives can sway individuals’ actions.
People and Fate in “No Country for Old Men”
As previously discussed, Chigurh views money not as an end in itself, but as a means to manipulate others and shape their actions according to his desires. Similarly, he perceives himself as a tool—a cold, emotionless instrument devoid of empathy or sentiment. Even when faced with severe injuries, such as a protruding bone from a gunshot wound, he remains indifferent, regarding his physical pain merely as an obstacle to his objectives. His belief in the power of money to buy anything, even life itself, is evident in his interactions with the two boys whom he offers a significant sum for a shirt, prompting their astonished response. Throughout the film, Chigurh’s relentless pursuit of his goals, coupled with his ruthless demeanor and lack of empathy, underscores his self-perception as a formidable tool of destruction. He instills fear in his victims and operates with a sense of invincibility, choosing his actions based on his own twisted sense of fate or chance, exemplified by his use of the coin toss as a determinant of life and death.
Fools of Fate in “No Country for Old Men”
In short “No Country for Old Men” portrays a dynamic interplay of characters, each driven by their own motivations and influenced by various tools—whether it be money, weapons, or personal vendettas. Moss’s relentless pursuit of the briefcase represents the power of money as a driving force, compelling him to confront the inevitability of death. Conversely, Chigurh is motivated by a singular determination to fulfill his task, using whatever means necessary to achieve his goal. Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s pursuit of justice highlights a different approach, one focused on capturing Chigurh and restoring order. Ultimately, the characters themselves become tools in each other’s narratives, shaping the course of events in unforeseen ways. Indeed, “No Country for Old Men” explores the multifaceted nature of tools and their impact on fate. While weapons and arms serve as instruments of violence and death, money emerges as a potent tool capable of influencing individuals’ actions and altering the course of events. Moreover, the characters themselves grapple with their identities as tools, reflecting on their roles in shaping their own destinies. Ultimately, the film suggests that while tools may offer temporary solutions or advantages, they cannot ultimately alter the immutable forces of fate and mortality.
Works Cited: Fate in “No Country for Old Men”
- Jutel, Thierry. “No Country for Old Men, Visual Regime, Mental Image and Narrative Slowness.” Sense of Cinema. Oct. 2011. Web. 25 Apr 2023.
- Kirn, Walter. “No Country for Old Men, Visual Regime, Mental Image and Narrative Slowness” The New York Times Book Review. 24 Jul. 2005. Web. Apr 25, 2023.
- Mars-Jones, Adam. “No Country for Old Men”. The Guardian. 05 Nov. 2005. Web. 25 Apr 2023.
- McCarthy, Cormac. “No Country for Old Men”. DVD. 2005.
- Schickel, Richard. “Hypnotized by No Country for Old Men”. Times Inc. 09 Nov. 2007. Web. 25 Apr 2023.
Relevant Questions about Fate in “No Country for Old Men”
- How does the theme of Fate in “No Country for Old Men” manifest itself throughout the narrative, and what role does it play in shaping the characters’ actions and outcomes?
- In “No Country for Old Men,” how do the characters grapple with the concept of Fate, and how does their belief or disbelief in it influence their decisions and behaviors?
- Can the events in “No Country for Old Men” be interpreted as predetermined by Fate, or are they a result of the characters’ choices and actions? How does the novel explore the interplay between Fate and free will?
