Blood Simple on DVD (1983)

?Who Looks Stupid Now??

Clucky from Cardiff, Wales , 23/08/2004

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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weird but interesting thriller

A customer from Surrey , 03/03/2004

Typically strange style of directing from the Coen brothers . Worth watching all the way to the end - good performances from all 4 main characters .

Terrible video transfer - looks like the original master had been buried in the ground alongside one of the characters . No extras on the DVD either in terms of Director commentary which could have been very interesting .

Overall well worth renting but don't bother buying .

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Moody

DrDave from Cambridgeshire , 16/08/2004

This film is dark and moody, with touches of comedy against a backdrop of bloodstained drama. The Coen brothers don't disappoint in this morose story of murder, betrayal and greed.

This film is original even though it is intentionally clichéd at times. The music and camera movements are superb, with expert scene changes. The Coen brothers seem to be playing around with visual effects at moments, which adds to the entertainment, never interfering with the cerebral enjoyment of the piece.

Going into the story line is pointless, since it is more fun to watch it as it happens.

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WOW`

A customer from Leicester, England , 23/07/2004

Brilliant Coen Brothers film, possibly only rivalled by fargo and please take into account this was their first ever picture, brilliant!

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Shows promise

A customer from Inglewood , 24/05/2005

The usual Coen blend murder, deception and mean characters, shown in the early stages in Blood Simple. Without the humour of Fargo, Blood Simple is much darker, with a great menacing performance from M. Emmett Walsh. The twists and turns work well, as the plot grows evermore complicated. Frances McDormand is also very good, and the film has some strong, striking scenes, but is not as good as Fargo or Barton Fink.

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Moody

DrDave from Cambridgeshire , 16/08/2004

This film is dark and moody, with touches of comedy against a backdrop of bloodstained drama. The Coen brothers don't disappoint in this morose story of murder, betrayal and greed.

This film is original even though it is intentionally clichéd at times. The music and camera movements are superb, with expert scene changes. The Coen brothers seem to be playing around with visual effects at moments, which adds to the entertainment, never interfering with the cerebral enjoyment of the piece.

Going into the story line is pointless, since it is more fun to watch it as it happens.

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