No Country for Old Men - The Coin Toss Scene

The long shot at the start of the opening of the scene enhances the audience’s awareness of how isolated the surroundings are. This is due to the scene being placed in a dessert, by doing this its creates suspension and uncertainty for the viewer as if something was to happen no one would know about it. By using isolation in this scene it makes it fall under a typical thriller theme.

The use of over the shoulder shots within this scene makes the viewer aware of the relationship between the two characters. It is clear in this scene that there is an uncomfortable relationship; this is enhanced by the expressions which they withhold as well as the dialogue used. By doing this it shows the viewer the characters personalities this is also reflected in there costumes used in the set. The simple checked shirt and braces which one of the characters wears reflects how he is easy going. His clothes also blend into the scenery behind him this could suggest he does not like trouble and tends to like to ‘blend in’ rather than stand out suggesting he is a weak character. Whereas the other character is wearing very dark clothes this could suggest that he is bad due to them being black and this colour is usually compared to evil. Though it could also suggest that he is a strong character due to his clothes standing out from the scenery showing he is bold and intimidating. The contrast in personalities of the characters makes the scene feel uncomfortable for the viewer to watch due to the tension between the characters. 

The close up on the peanut wrapper unfolding and then the uneasy expression followed by the old man afterwards builds tension again within the scene. Its makes the other character seem strange and enhances an idea he is untrustworthy. Due the strangeness of the shot it makes the viewer feel uncomfortable, I think the intention is to make the viewer feel how the old man is feeling in this scene. 

By placing a window behind the character it reminds the viewer of the isolated surroundings and also makes the viewer falsely suspect something is going to happen in this scene. It gives the idea that the viewer is going to know something is going to happen before the character is aware of it. The sense of shadow on the shelves against the bright window contrasts and therefore highlights this effect further.

Overall in this scene it clearly shows the characters personalities and how they differ. Due to them differing it creates a sense of tension for the audience of the film.