by Marshall Chisholm

Created on: November 23, 2009   Last Updated: November 24, 2009

This film depicts a lifestyle in current America that would be seen as a norm perhaps 15 or 20 years ago. The title of the film can pertain to Sheriff Bell in the story. The sheriff himself is a symbol of the old world, a dying breed to put it. The world around him is progressing and becoming a more bloodthirsty realm. The title is simply another way of saying the nation is passing on into a new generation.

Sheriff Bell can of course be a model for the aged generation in America, whom are at the age of having grandchildren. This film opens with the sheriff talking about the old days which can be the sign of his connection to out-dated policies. His speech rambles about the law enforcement in different parts of Texas, about how many of them did not carry firearms because it wasn't necessary for the crimes back then. The old days theme is very important in this story as it identifies the connection between the title and the sheriff. As he states the old law enforcement did not carry firearms, however this implies the modern law enforcement carries firearms, and therein lies an issue with his generation with the new.

This movie puts a more action oriented view of the progress on life. It ties back to the old theme of the youth rising to replace the power of their predecessors and the older generations reluctant to bequeath power. Sheriff Bell, the main representative of the title, spends his time in the film chasing the fugitive in order to bring him to justice for the crimes he has committed. The fugitive, who is of course an old man himself, can portray the aggression that newer generations of criminals will duplicate and inevitably surpass. Since he is able to escape the sheriff, he can symbolize the impending need for the sheriff to pass on the badge to a younger, more able body.

This film suggests the elderly have no real place in society. Current issues with the elderly such as Medicare are the provided stigmas in their existence amongst the youth. No Country For Old Men gives the nation the persona of a rapidly changing unit, the younger grow superior to their predecessors in every facet and had a need to replace the old outdated workers of the country. By this means, our nation would become more of a machine, working constantly to improve our own productivity and image. The sheriff speaks in a nostalgic tone throughout the whole movie, creating the image of his future retirement. Though he does not actually surrender his duties to the deputy in the film,

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