In Cormac McCarthy's screenplay "The Counselor," there is a stark contrast between two different realities. The line indicates a world where bodies are concealed in the desert, representing a hidden, possibly more controlled existence. In contrast, leaving bodies in the street signifies an open, chaotic environment, highlighting a disturbing familiarity with violence and disregard for life that the speaker finds unfamiliar.
This quote reflects on the deeper implications of crime and morality in society. It suggests that while one may be aware of a certain level of brutality, there exists even darker undercurrents that remain hidden or unseen. The acknowledgment of these unsettling truths raises questions about the nature of humanity and the presence of evil in every culture, hinting that such horrors have always existed, lurking just beneath the surface of everyday life.