Review of A Simple Plan (1998) by Rameshwar N — 08 May 2011
When Hank Mitchell (Bill Paxton), Jacob (Billy Bob Thorton) and Lou (Brent Briscoe) decide to take 4.1 million dollars they find in a crashed plane in the middle of the woods, there's no doubt that things are going to go wrong. The question is, how? Or when?
Knowing this, Sam Raimi not only plays around with his characters, but also us. We wonder how far the characters will go on, before things get worse and worse. We ask ourselves what we would do in their situation. The cinematography and music only make things more suspenseful.
This is a film where we can't help but put ourselves in the character's shoes. In a way, it's not Hank Mitchell on screen, but yourself. Before the movie begins, ask yourself what you would do if you found 4.1 million dollars that only you knew about. Then after you watch the movie, see what you think. This film might make you realize something knew about yourself.
Astonishing performances make everything feel believable. Bill Paxton and Bridget Fonda do a wonderful job playing everyday people who are corrupted by everyday temptations. Billy Bob Thorton (who deservedly was nominated for an oscar) given one of his best, saddest performances. And of course, Sam Raimi's direction is what gives this film the edge it needs to be the suspenseful, thought-provoking masterpiece that A Simple Plan is.
This review of A Simple Plan (1998) was written by Rameshwar N on 08 May 2011.
A Simple Plan has generally received very positive reviews.
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