"Well, ma'am, if I see him, I'll sure give him the message."
Before the review, we’re gonna have to jump into a small film history lesson to talk about a specific film movement called ‘film noir.’ Noir is hard to classify but the consensus usually falls that it is not a genre (like a western or a comedy), but a film with a specific mood and feel to it. Obviously this is very subjective so what films constitute a noir and even what noir itself needs to have to be considered a noir are always dependent on the individual. Well somehow, most critics did come to a somewhat vague consensus that film noir is pretty much a descriptor of certain dark, crime films from the 1940’s (this is an incredibly loose definition in order to get to the point). Thus any film since that era that uses some of the same tropes are typically called ‘neo-noirs.’ With a collection of antiheroes, unusual camera angles, and prominent use of Chiaroscuro (light and shadows), Blood Simple is one of those films.
From 1984, Blood Simple is the debut film by the now famous Coen brothers. Joel Coen directed, Ethan Coen produced, and the two wrote the screenplay together. For the past 28 years, the Coen brothers have been a critically acclaimed, filmmaking machine and have been nominated for Academy Awards 33 times. They continue to impress audiences with their unconventional approach to genre films and an increasingly sharp wit. What’s truly impressive is that everything great about the Coen brother’s films can be seen in their earliest form in Blood Simple. The plot itself is dense and filled with double crossings, love triangles, and drawn out suspense. It’s dark and incredibly thrilling. And yet, somehow despite the murders and betrayals, Blood Simple manages to create some genuinely funny moments. It’s a testament both to the Coen brother’s intellect and vision and to the commitment from the actors.
Of particular note are the performances of Frances McDormand and M. Emmet Walsh both of whom really make the characters their own. Much of the aforementioned humor comes from Walsh’s portrayal of the private detective, Loren Visser, who does much of the double crossing. At first glance, Visser seems like a bumbling redneck in a 10-gallon hat with a goofy smile, but in Walsh’s talented hands, there is a real dark tenacity to him. We’re laughing with him at one minute, then scared of what he might do next. It’s a complete shift and like any great actor, you can see this shift in his eyes.
Frances McDormand plays the female lead and in a traditional noir, she would be the femme fatale. The Femme fatale usually was a seductive woman who would charm multiple people (including the main character) into dangerous situations and are typically considered villains. However in Blood Simple, Frances McDormand’s Abby seems much more innocent. Yes, her involvement in an affair ends up in several deaths, but unlike classic noir women, it was never her intention and she is genuinely shocked when someone is killed. It’s an interesting twist on a classic archetype, but this is the Coen brothers and that is usually one of their signatures.
On the technical side, the shot composition and cinematography are absolutely great. The entire roadside sequence is a classic, and is such a treat in lighting, editing, and pacing. This was cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld’s first film, yet it looks like a seasoned veteran did it (Interestingly enough Sonnenfeld would later move to the director’s chair and direct the Men In Black trilogy, Get Shorty, The Adams Family, and…Wild Wild West. Well, we can’t all be perfect.).
Blood Simple is a thrilling ride and a great historical lesson on all things Coen brothers and neo-noir. But make no mistake, you don’t need to be a fan of the Coen brothers or possess any knowledge on a niche cinema style to enjoy this well-crafted movie.
7/10
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