The Coen brothers 2007 crime thriller No Country For Old Men is perfect for the film enthusiast who has a sense of humor, but wants to avoid the physical labor of laughter. When Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) comes across the aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong, he finds himself being hunted by the monstrous Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem). The film is a masterclass in suspense and fills the viewer with an overwhelming sense of dread and despair. Perfect for anyone who understands what is funny but does not want to risk being tickled into a light chuckle.
Chigurh is psychopathic killer devoid of conscience or remorse. He flips a coin to determine if his victims will live or die. The more acute comedic fan will recognize that Chigurh is not a funny character. This gives viewers an opportunity to show off their understanding of humor without needing to risk so much as a single contraction of the diaphragm. It is true that The Washington Post critic Stephen Hunter referred to Chigurh’s choice of weapons as absurd and ridiculous. However, you need not fear. You will not be able to find anything gimmicky about Chigurh as he coldly strangles a police officer and shoots a witness. Instead, you will feel nothing but anxiety and fear as he drives from the scene entirely unphased. This is just one of many times the film tests the amateur comedy critic without coercing them into laughter. If you have a great sense of humor then No Country For Old Men is the film for you.