Review of Blood Simple (1985) by Juan M — 19 Feb 2011
I always forget just how good a debut film Blood Simple is from the Coen brothers. All their favourite themes can all be found from the outset in this very darkly comic neo-noir, from the simple people setting up a situation they utterly lose control over to bad fat, sweaty men laughing.
It holds up extremely well as the brothers push the noir and horror elements (Hedaya's live burial is still one of the grimmest deaths in movies) keeping the humour that will become more and more self-conscious as they progress in check.
It always feels fresh and new when I watch it, a double-edged compliment as the actual plot itself is fairly slight and forgettable, but the mood (notably Burwell's music) and grim set-pieces definitely show a lot of talent at work.
This review of Blood Simple (1985) was written by Juan M on 19 Feb 2011.
Blood Simple has generally received very positive reviews.
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