Blood Simple
1983
When a bar owner discovers that one of his employees is having an affair with his wife, a complex web of deceit and double crosses ensues in a small Texas town. The Coen brothers' first picture is an intricately plotted film noir filled with surprises at each turn. The cast, largely unknown at the time, includes Dan Hedaya as .. Read more
| Starring | M. Emmet Walsh, Dan Hedaya, John Getz, Frances McDormand |
|---|---|
| Director | Joel Coen |
| Genres | Thriller |
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Blood Simple
When a bar owner discovers that one of his employees is having an affair with his wife, a complex web of deceit and double crosses ensues in a small Texas town. The Coen brothers' first picture is an intricately plotted film noir filled with surprises at each turn. The cast, largely unknown at the time, includes Dan Hedaya as the cuckolded bar owner, Frances McDormand as the cheating wife, John Getz as the adultering bartender, and the fabulously creepy M. Emmett Walsh as the slimy, sweaty private detective who should not be trusted. The film is a marvel to experience; director of photography Barry Sonnenfeld has created stunning compositions filled with open spaces, and the sound--from the slightest footsteps or dripping water to a sudden shotgun blast--reverberates ominously, as if it is a character unto itself. Directed by Joel Coen and co-written by Joel and his brother Ethan, BLOOD SIMPLE is an eerie testament to the limitless possibilities of low-budget filmmaking.
| Starring | M. Emmet Walsh, Dan Hedaya, John Getz, Frances McDormand, Samm-Art Williams |
|---|---|
| Director | Joel Coen |
| Studio | UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 35 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Collections | 100 Top Thrillers |
| Genres | Thriller |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 01 Jan 2001 Production year: 1983 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (6)
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A jealous Texas husband hires a sleazy private eye to murder his adulterous wife and her lover in the Coen Brothers' feature-making debut. Blending elements of James M Cain, film noir, Hitchcock thrillers and contemporary horror movies, this dark morality tale deviates imaginatively from the 1940s murder mysteries it evokes. The acting is first rate (the long road to Frances McDormand's Oscar for Fargo started here) and the atmosphere appropriately brooding. The Coens' use of light and space is impressive, and the innovative camera work (by Men in Black director Barry Sonnenfeld) to increase the suspense is breathtaking. A modern classic.
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"...BLOOD SIMPLE becomes a dazzling comedie noire, a dynamic, virtuoso display by a couple of talented fledgling film makers who give the conventions of the genre such a thorough workout that the result is a movie that's fresh and exhilarating..."
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Most helpful member's review
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31 out of 43 people found this review helpful
?Who Looks Stupid Now??
On the surface of things this does not look or sound like a Coen film, but there are just enough character flaws and curve ball moments for it to feel like a Coen film. With a surprisingly linear plot, a fiery love triangle, this film carries an unrelenting dark edge but sadly lacks the ?lighter? comedic elements that punctuated later works like Fargo.
Without the trademark sharp dialogue and quirky plot lines this is undoubtedly a shadow of their later work but there is enough quality on show for fans and newcomers alike to enjoy.
Other reviewers on here have commented on the poor transfer of this film and it does make many of the night scenes difficult to watch. Despite this there are some nice set pieces - the office-to-bed shot and the newspaper against the door are particularly well executed. The acting is sound but the dialogue seemed a little forced at times, although this is merely nit picking. The pace and structure ensure that your attention is kept at all times and the subtle twists add an extra dimension to what is essentially a well-worn path (see John Dahl?s back catalogue for similar jilted lovers scenarios).
Overall a decent film which provides a good starting point for Coen new-comers and an interesting look at how they started out for die-hard fans. 3 out of 5
Extras ? Thin on the ground only a trailer for this film and Big Lebowski
Subtitles ? Optional but a bit on the small side. -
Most recent members' review
View all -
31 out of 43 people found this review helpful
?Who Looks Stupid Now??
On the surface of things this does not look or sound like a Coen film, but there are just enough character flaws and curve ball moments for it to feel like a Coen film. With a surprisingly linear plot, a fiery love triangle, this film carries an unrelenting dark edge but sadly lacks the ?lighter? comedic elements that punctuated later works like Fargo.
Without the trademark sharp dialogue and quirky plot lines this is undoubtedly a shadow of their later work but there is enough quality on show for fans and newcomers alike to enjoy.
Other reviewers on here have commented on the poor transfer of this film and it does make many of the night scenes difficult to watch. Despite this there are some nice set pieces - the office-to-bed shot and the newspaper against the door are particularly well executed. The acting is sound but the dialogue seemed a little forced at times, although this is merely nit picking. The pace and structure ensure that your attention is kept at all times and the subtle twists add an extra dimension to what is essentially a well-worn path (see John Dahl?s back catalogue for similar jilted lovers scenarios).
Overall a decent film which provides a good starting point for Coen new-comers and an interesting look at how they started out for die-hard fans. 3 out of 5
Extras ? Thin on the ground only a trailer for this film and Big Lebowski
Subtitles ? Optional but a bit on the small side. -
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When a bar owner discovers that one of his employees is having an affair with his wife, a complex web of deceit and double crosses ensues in a small Texas town. The Coen brothers' first picture is an ... -