No Country for Old Men, a bleak thriller set in Texas during the early 1980s, marks a return to form for the Coens. Here's how they built their reputation.

BLOOD SIMPLE (1984)

Two brain boxes from Minneapolis spring from the shadows (Joel Coen studied film in New York University; Ethan did philosophy at Princeton) and serve up a delightfully twisty neo-noir debut.

MILLER'S CROSSING (1991)

Is it their most overrated work? Perhaps. But this eccentric gangster picture still managed to establish some powerful images - remember John Turturro begging for his life? - that have remained in the collective consciousness.

FARGO (1998)

The boys' peerless blend of black humour and everyday tragedy used Frances McDormand (stoic cop) and William H Macy (pathetic salesman) to stunning effect.

THE BIG LEBOWSKI (2000)

Initially dismissed as lightweight by many critics, this tale of slacker Jeff Bridges's interactions with various Californian eccentrics has gone on to gather a cult following of Star Trekian proportions. Quite right too. It's a hoot.

O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? (2000)

George Clooney is a fugitive from a chain gang. References to Preston Sturges, stirring musical numbers, slapstick comedy and sweet romantic interludes combine to deliver a delightful mainstream entertainment.