Wednesday Movie Night: Blood Simple (1984)

So it seems the Coen brothers were off to a great start with Blood Simple in 1984, and they haven't looked back since then. It's even like they pioneered indie films as we know since they really were the first to have a lot of the characteristics you find in them. Blood Simple though is a good take on film noir, and creates a lot of suspense with characters we know little about and the ever so famous adultery plot that film noir loves. The Coen brothers have a wonderful ability to play with lighting in a way that makes it eerie and makes you wait in anticipation.

Summary: Julian is really angered when he confirms that his wife, Abby is cheating with a man who works for him, Ray. He wants them to pay for it, and since it would be too obvious if he did it himself he sends someone else after them, Loren Visser. He's a mean detective who does anything that will benefit him. When a lot of deceit and misunderstanding gets involved, the more the bodies pile up as well, and before you know the only way to end it is with more death.


Acting: The acting is really good, because you would see Abby and Ray as being unlikable considering they didn't make the best of choices, but Julian somehow is just worse, so you seem to understand why Abby doesn't like him. John Getz and Frances McDormand have enough chemistry to carry their little romance, and even when they begin doubting each other they play it well in their actions. Dan Hedaya is also insane as Julian and I think portrays the guy well. M. Emmett Walsh though is very creepy as the detective, Loren. You really have no idea what he will do next considering he just plays it how he wants it.

Filming: The colors are what really stand out about the film. I think this was before the time that the Coen brothers really honed their style to something more prominent, but they really nailed it with the tones of the colors, and it especially works to bring out a film noir movie that is a bit more modern. You have memorable reds and blues in the movie, and lots of shadows that increase the suspense as well. There are also the use of lights that shadow and brighten the atmosphere in certain scenes.

Plot: The plot just grows more intriguing by the minute. It also has twists that leave you moving with the story. One character that grows stronger and more likable as the movie goes, is Abby. She seems to be surrounded by men, but she has to really take charge of her life if she is wanting to survive, and be unlike herself that has always seemed to depend on others to make the best of her life. The guys though like Ray are a little one dimensional. Loren though is very crazy and creepy, and probably one of the scariest bad guys I've saw in a movie.

Blood Simple is an entertaining thriller that catches you from the beginning with how well it has gotten the trademarks of film noir down to pat. It builds suspense as it goes, and it gives you a likable character you can root for despite the flaws. I like how each scene progresses the thrill and suspense of the movie without ever having a slow moment.

Rating 8 of 10.