In Cormac McCarthy's "No Country for Old Men," a chilling moment unfolds when the character Chigurh executes a man by shooting him through the forehead. This violent act is not just a moment of brutality; it's accompanied by a haunting observation as Chigurh gazes upon the victim's dying eyes, witnessing the gradual fading of life and consciousness.
This scene reflects the broader themes of the novel, where the randomness of violence and the indifference of fate are explored. Chigurh's detached perspective on death reveals a profound commentary on existence and the moral decay present in the world around him. The imagery of light receding and the degradation of his own reflection symbolizes the loss of humanity in a ruthless landscape.