Sequence Analysis

In ‘No Country for Old Men’ in the scene in the gas station with a coin toss. The dialogue between the owner and the assassin uses the 180-degree rule. In the gas station with see the owner is in front of the assassin. We see the camera stay on one side and makes sure that they make eye contact with each other. The shots are from a three person over the shoulder view so we can see the actor make eye contact. The reason these shots are needed in this scene so that we can see the emotions of the owner and the assassin. The owner’s conversation between him and the assassin is awkward, and the owner is visibly uncomfortable. While, the assassin has no emotion but making threats to the owner. Then we see close-ups of a crushed wrapper, and the flip of the coin. The coin flip is meant for us to see because under his hand could mean life or death for this owner. It shows suspense because the assassin says, “what’s the most you ever lost in a coin toss.” What makes it great is that we do not need to hear what is going to happen if he fails, we know through context clues from the scene especially when he says, “… You been putting it up your whole life. You just didn't know it…” Another great thing is that there is no music in the scene just adding to the suspense and what we hear in the background is the wind.