Review of Blood Simple (1985) by Skylar G — 13 Dec 2008

This is the the darkest, most disturbing film to ever emerge from the twisted minds of the Coens. In other words, it's actually quite sick. But thats a reason I love it.

It is Bloody, and it is Simple. The film is one of the Coens easiest to follow, but has some very confusing questions which never seem to get answered. And as you already probably know, I love unanswered questions in films. It makes it more realisic, more exciting and makes you feel more fullfilled and entertained.

As far as performances go, they were all good. I really believed John Getz's fear as the whole thing escalated out of control. I really believed M Emmet Walsh's mad man identity. I really believed Dan Hedaya's anger and jealousy and I really believed Francis McDormand's innocence, even though it was all her fault, though unwittingly.

This goes down as one of the best directing debuts ever. For a first film, the brothers showed all the skills that normally come from experianced directors. They used perfect angles, perfect dialogue, perfect use of music and score, perfect casting, perfect pacing and perfect plot ideas. They have kept this talent running through 25 years of work in film. They have a brilliant career and hope their films always stay close to the level the always deliver on and never fall lower. That would be the truly saddest thing to happen in hollywood in recent years.