#834: COEN, Joel: Blood Simple (1984)
COEN, Joel (United States)
Blood Simple [1984]
Spine #834
Blu-ray
95 minutes
The Booklet
Twelve-page wraparound featuring an essay by novelist and critic Nathaniel Rich
Commentary
None.
Conversation 1
Conversation 2
New conversation between author Dave Eggers and the Coens about the film's production, from inception to release
Interview
With composer Carter Burwell, sound mixer Skip Lievsay, and actors McDormand and Walsh
Theatrical trailers
Extras Rating (0-40):
Blood Simple [1984]
Spine #834
Blu-ray
Joel and Ethan Coen's career-long darkly comic road trip through misfit America began with this razor-sharp, hard-boiled neonoir set somewhere in Texas, where a sleazy bar owner releases a torrent of violence with one murderous thought. Actor M. Emmet Walsh looms over the proceedings as a slippery private eye with a yellow suit, a cowboy hat, and no moral compass, and Frances McDormand's cunning debut performance set her on the road to stardom. The tight scripting and inventive style that have marked the Coens' work for decades are all here in their first film, in which cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld abandons black-and-white chiaroscuro for neon signs and jukebox colors that combine with Carter Burwell's haunting score to lurid and thrilling effect. Blending elements from pulp fiction and low-budget horror flics, Blood Simple reinvented the film noir for a new generation, marking the arrival of a filmmaking ensemble that would transform the American independent cinema scene.
95 minutes
Color
5.1 Surround
1:85:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2016
5.1 Surround
1:85:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2016
Director/Writers
Joel was 30 and Ethan was 27 when they directed Blood Simple.
Other Joel Coen films in the Collection:
The Film
This Coen Bros. debut (Ethan is uncredited as co-director, as he will be in the future) is as fine a film as they have ever made since. And they’re all pretty fine.
The script is perfection, the direction divinely inspired, and Barry Sonnenfeld’s photography is magical. This is an edge-of-your-seat movie, worthy of Hitchcock. Or for that matter, Renoir or Bresson. It is cinema of the highest order.
John Getz, Frances McDourmand (her debut, fantastic!), Dan Hedaya (unforgettable character), M. Emmet Walsh (insisted on being paid in cash every week; probably thought the film would be a big bust) — they’re all terrific.
Film Rating (0-60):
56
The ExtrasThe Booklet
Twelve-page wraparound featuring an essay by novelist and critic Nathaniel Rich
Commentary
None.
Conversation 1
New conversation between cinematographer Sonnenfeld and the Coens about the film's look, featuring Telestrator video illustrations
The three directors have the best time tearing down their debut; pointing out each and every mistake; saying how differently they’d do it today, etc. It’s really hilarious, because the simple fact of the matter is that Blood Simple is a masterpiece, from start to finish.
The three directors have the best time tearing down their debut; pointing out each and every mistake; saying how differently they’d do it today, etc. It’s really hilarious, because the simple fact of the matter is that Blood Simple is a masterpiece, from start to finish.
Conversation 2
New conversation between author Dave Eggers and the Coens about the film's production, from inception to release
Interview
With composer Carter Burwell, sound mixer Skip Lievsay, and actors McDormand and Walsh
Theatrical trailers
Extras Rating (0-40):
Comments
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