His way of speaking, his mannerisms, everything...
"Is that...tape on your glasses?"
"You didn't bring a winter coat...what's the matter with you?"
I have no enemies. I don't permit such a thing.
-Anton Chigurh
I've always wondered if Kressler was secretly part of the white supremacist group. He doesn't believe Beck at first, tries to downplay the movement and he tries to ruin Beck or get in his way at every turn. Then, when Beck and the sheriff are descenting into the caves, Kressler gives them away by announcing they're there to the bad guys. Only when Beck has taken care of the situation does Kressler come in and assume responsibility.
I'm probably wrong, but it wouldn't surprise me if Kressler was in on the whole thing.
"Bullets! My one weakness. How did you know?"
I don't know...Kressler seems like just a complete nebbish. Maybe he was just one of those clueless law enforcement types that get ahead because of ass-kissing and/or favoritism...I have no enemies. I don't permit such a thing. -Anton Chigurh
shareI never understood why law enforcement officers hated FBI agents and then I had a job where I had contact with FBI agents. Based on over 5 years of experience I can say Arthur Kressler could have been a real FBI agent. The attitude, the looks, the control freak nature, etc. were all spot on. Also, taking credit for the hard work of others must be taught on day one at the FBI academy.
shareYeah Forsythe was great in the role of the uptight Kessler. Nice change of pace to see him playing a good guy. Even if he was an annoying, whiny, do everything by the book, goodey two shoes kind of guy.
I like that part where Kessler & Beck are in Oklahoma at the Church compound looking for the gang & Bobby Burns is watching them....
"He's no Fed. Whoever that guy (Beck) is, he wouldn't last one day with the feds".
"Now that guy (Kessler) is a Fed! Look at him! He's so clean & neat you could shoot him & then bury him in the same suit."
"Flying thru hyperspace ain't like dusting crops boy!"
<I'm probably wrong, but it wouldn't surprise me if Kressler was in on the whole thing.>
I don't think that Kressler was a closet Klukker. Rather, he had been brought up in the Bureau culture that says 'we are the top dogs; local law-enforcement is sh!t.' This type of attiutude says that if the bureau doesn't find evidence first, it is nothing. It also says that once they enter a case, it is their case from that point forward and the locals be damned.
I know this cop (now retired) who just absolutely loathed them, saying that FBI really stood for 'F-ing Bunch of Idiots'.