Rent Blood Simple (1984)

A little dated yet worth watching - Blood Simple review by CP Customer

This film has a no frills feel about it with some scenes having a cult type feel about them. It's not gripping but nevertheless hold the attention right to the dramatic climax.

Brilliant, influential movie - forerunner of Fargo and Shallow Grave - Blood Simple review by PV

If you want to have a real cinematic treat, watch this, and then Shallow Grave and/or Fargo: you will see that Fargo is essentially a bigger budget remake of this, and Shallow Grave (directed but not written by Danny Boyle, and still his best film, I think - way better than the tedious Trainspotting or the sentimental wallowing of Slumdog) lifted so much from it. Some scenes (light shining through bullet holes)were 'taken' directly from here for Shallow Grave.

The best thing about this film is the script: tight, terse, pithy and funny. Some great lines.

It has a plot to die for (literally!).

Nice direction too.

The weak things about this movie?

Well, it is dated - and looks dated even for 1984!

And the music - much of it hispanic - is awful. Also, the black barman character was an unnecessary distraction, included probably for the interesting contrast between a Detroit Motown-loving outsider black man in Countrya nd Western territory.

But really, still 4.5 stars, despite the creaky bits!

Great Modern Film Noir Thriller - Blood Simple review by GI

One of the great contemporary American noir thrillers. A tale of jealousy, greed and murder with a wonderfully scripted and clever plot. It's the debut feature of the Coen Brothers and a very assured film it is too. Set in modern day Texas and nasty bar owner Marty (Dan Hedaya) suspects his barman, Ray (John Getz) is having an affair with his pretty wife Abby (Frances McDormand). He hires a seedy private investigator (M. Emmet Walsh) to get proof. But overcome with a jealous rage he later hires the investigator to murder Abby and Ray. But greed, misunderstandings and mistrust combine to make all their plans go awry. This is a superbly dark tale with plot twists that keep you constantly on your toes. Celebrated character actor Walsh especially is superb here in a memorable performance as the overweight, menacing PI who has his own agenda. This is constructed like the classic Hollywood Film Noirs and plays with the conventions of the genre, toying the audience with a femme fatale in McDormand's character but then making you question her motives. The detective here is no hero either and the 'hero' turns out to be more ready to do dastardly acts than you'd expect. Equally the characters themselves are never sure who is on who's side. It's a great story and well told. If you like a good mystery thriller then look no further, this is a cracking film and one to make sure you see.