The coin toss

Here's a couple of expressions that will come in handy before watching the video:
1. 'toss a coin' (also 'flip a coin') - in a situation involving two possible outcomes, to toss a coin is to throw it in the air in order to determine the outcome; the side of the coin facing upwards ('heads' or 'tails') is the determining factor.
2. 'call it' - to choose 'heads' or 'tails' before a coin toss
3. 'put up' - in gambling (dice, poker, etc.), what one stands to keep or lose.

Now watch the video and answer the questions that follow


Comprehension questions:
1. What question does Javier Bardem ask the gas station attendant in the beginning of the video? How does the man reply?
2. What metaphysical observation does Bardem make about the coin?
3. What does the man stand to win, according to Bardem? (What do you think he stands to win?)

Discussion questions:
1. I find this scene disturbing, to say the least, no doubt because the role played by Bardem is so creepy. Some film critics have put him on their list of the best villains of all time. What do you think are the ingredients of a 'good villain,' and does Bardem embody them in this scene?
2. In what ways is Bardem's role as the creepy Anton Chigurh different from De Niro's bad-guy role (see other video) as Al Capone? Who is the 'badder' guy?
3. Do you find Bardem easier to understand because he's Spanish? How's his English, in your opinion?
4. Have you seen the film? If not, what do you think is gonna happen to the poor fellah in the gas station? (And if you have seen it, did you think the poor guy was going to survive while you were watching?).
5. Who directed this film? Yes, ok the Coen brothers. Have you seen any other films by them? How is this one similar/different to the others?