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!

A masterpiece of sheer subtlety - Blood Simple review by griggs

A masterpiece of sheer subtlety and restraint, the Coen brothers' debut film is a refreshing original take on a seemingly simple story. They have managed to turn a tale of a sleazy bar owner, a cheating wife, and a bumbling private detective into a complex web of unnecessary complications, showcasing their unique ability to add unexpected depth to a plot.