Roll-M: Blood Simple |
Blood Simple (starring Frances McDormand, M. Emmet Walsh, John Getz, Dan Hedaya; written by Ethan and Joel Coen; directed by Joel Coen; rated R).
Originally released in 1984, this new "Director’s cut" version of Blood Simple is a classic cult film revisited. It’s missing a few scenes that would help explain some of the goings-on, but it is quintessential Coen Brothers nonetheless. And the new digitally remastered version, playing only at the Camelview Five in Scottsdale (at press time), is a true work of cinematic art.
Film stars Joel Coen’s wife, Oscar® winning actress (for Fargo) Frances McDormand as a wife cheating on her bar-owning husband (Hedaya). The cuckolded hubby hires a private detective (Walsh) to get the goods on her, and eventually, to nail her and her bartender boyfriend (Getz). Lots of plot twists and turns, plenty of blood and surprises await in this tightly crafted, riveting example of Coen Brothers cinema. First exhibited at the Sundance Film Festival in 1985, Blood Simple won the Grand Jury Prize. Coen won Best Director, and Walsh Best Male Lead in the 1986 Independent Spirit Awards.
This is the touchstone for all modern film noir. Not to be missed! (5 owls)