Behind the Scenes of No Country For Old Men's Intense Dog Scene Featuring Josh Brolin
Discover the story behind the iconic dog scene in No Country for Old Men, the Oscar-winning Best Picture.
Josh Brolin, known for his role in No Country for Old Men, shared a behind-the-scenes story about a pit bull scene in the movie that almost went awry. The Coen Brothers’ 2007 Oscar-winning film follows Brolin's character, Llewelyn Moss, who finds a suitcase of money after a drug deal goes wrong. However, his decision to keep the money leads to dangerous consequences. In a gripping moment, Moss is chased by two men with a pit bull and narrowly escapes a deadly encounter with the vicious animal.
In a recent interview with GQ discussing his iconic roles, Brolin opened up about filming the intense pit bull scene as Llewelyn. He revealed the clever trick used to make the dog chase him and discussed the Coen Brothers’ nonchalant attitude towards his discomfort while shooting in a freezing river. Brolin's candid remarks can be found around the 15:00 mark of the clip.
Scooby, the trained pit bull used to chase after me, instilled a sense of fearlessness. I was assured that I wouldn't get hurt. However, when he stopped following me, a new tactic was introduced - using a chew toy to entice him to pursue me by placing it in my pants.
In a chilling moment, struggling to stay afloat in the water with limited mobility, I glanced back to see the menacing dog fixated on the chew toy in my crotch. The thought of being devoured by the dog or having my crotch attacked was unnerving, to say the least.
He approached closer and closer as I attempted to reach under with one arm. However, I was unable to do so because the floaty was lodged in my crotch. Struggling, I reached down and tugged at the object, trying to dislodge it. My wet pants clung to my stomach and legs, making it difficult to remove. After a moment of effort, I managed to yank it out, possibly tearing something in the process. I tossed it aside, feeling unnoticed by [Scooby] who had already moved on.
Despite the frightening encounter with Scooby, my attention shifted to the Coens. I observed them unfazed by the situation, showing no concern for their lead actor. They were simply enjoying the moment, laughing and smiling without a care in the world.
Youtube video: Josh Brolin Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ
The Coen Brothers May Never Top No Country For Old Men
Anton (Javier Bardem) with a jug of milk in No Country for Old Men - The Coen Brothers May Never Top No Country For Old Men
Based on Cormac McCarthy's novel, No Country for Old Men received 8 Oscar nominations and won four awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. While a successful Oscar night does not always ensure a film's lasting legacy, No Country for Old Men has continued to solidify its status as a classic over the past two decades since its debut.
The Coen brothers have continued to create more films following their successful night at the Oscars in 2007. Some of their notable works include Burn After Reading, A Serious Man, True Grit, and Inside Llewyn Davis. True Grit currently holds the highest rating on Rotten Tomatoes at 95%, surpassing the 93% rating of No Country For Old Men. However, in terms of awards and lasting impact, No Country For Old Men is considered by many as their best film, making it a challenging feat for them to surpass its success.
No Country For Old Men is now available for viewing on Paramount+.
No Country for Old Men showcases a remarkable lead performance from Brolin, complemented by a standout canine performance from Scooby, with the help of a strategically placed chew toy. Additionally, the film features a memorable villainous portrayal by Javier Bardem and one of Tommy Lee Jones' most iconic performances. The story of No Country for Old Men is a timeless classic neo-Western narrative that explores enduring themes, while the Coen Brothers' filmmaking prowess shines brightly in this gripping film.
Editor's P/S:
The article provides a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of the intense pit bull scene in "No Country for Old Men." Josh Brolin's account of the clever trick used to make the dog chase him and the Coen Brothers' nonchalant attitude towards his discomfort is both amusing and revealing. It highlights the dedication and resourcefulness of the filmmakers and the trust between actor and director.
The article also touches on the film's lasting legacy as a classic neo-Western. The combination of Brolin's powerful performance, Scooby's standout turn, Javier Bardem's chilling villain, and Tommy Lee Jones' unforgettable role, along with the Coen Brothers' masterful filmmaking, has created a film that continues to resonate with audiences. The exploration of enduring themes and the gripping narrative make "No Country for Old Men" a timeless masterpiece that showcases the Coen Brothers' unique cinematic vision.
