Scene #12: Chigurh Finds Moss

This is the ninth entry in a series in which I'll countdown my 20 favorite scenes from the last 10 years in movies. To catch up more with the idea of this project, to see the other entries on the countdown, and to find out how you can contribute, click here.

The entire concept of a thriller is based on the ability to generate tension. Filmmakers know this, and most moviegoers know this as well. It's a characteristic common among some of history's most successful films—that nervous anticipation over what's coming next.

Few filmmakers over the last ten years have been able to grasp this concept as strongly as The Coen Brothers. Case in point: No Country for Old Men. This film is like an asthma attack—even on third, fourth, fifth watch, I'm unable to catch my breath. So many moments stand out as true examples of pulse-pounding suspense, but none more so than this one:



From the second this scene begins, you know exactly what's going to happen. I'm on the edge of my seat watching this now as I wait for Chigurh to blow the lock off that door with his trusty cattle gun. And the way the Coens play with light here is just masterful. Couple that with the fact that there's no music crutch, and this has to be one of the most impressive direction jobs in 10 years, probably more.

And I think even those who don't care for this movie (yes, there are a few crazy people out there) could agree: This scene defines suspense and is pretty difficult to shake from your memory.

Tomorrow, we see perhaps the darkest moment in the filmography of one of the all-time greats.