My Favorite Movie Review: Blood Simple (1985)

I am an avid film fan, so, it was a difficult choice to choose my favorite film. I have several favorites in every genre from different decades. I had to choose from my favorite classic vintage films, from Sci-fi films, romantic films, musicals, comedy, horror as well as vintage "Grindhouse." The film I chose was the classic 1985 Coen Brothers film; "Blood Simple."

Released in January 18, 1985; Blood Simple is a modern day film noir crime film. It was Joel Coen's directorial debut. The film is about a jealous bar owner named Marty who hires a nameless, morally corrupt, opportunist, private detective to follow his wife; Abby. Marty thinks Abby is having an affair with his bartender, Ray.

The private detective returns and justifies Marty's suspicions. Angry; Marty tells the detective to kill them both. The private detective follows Ray and Abby to Ray's house and breaks in while they are sleeping. The Private Detective takes Abby's gun from her purse, leaves the house and sees Ray and Abby in bed sleeping through the window. The scene brightens as if it is an overexposed film with no explanation and ends.

The next scene is Marty and the detective talking in his office. The detective shows him a picture with Ray and Abby lying dead in bed bullet ridden. Marty becomes upset and goes to throw up. Marty gives the detective the money. The detective pulls out Abby's gun and shoots him dead in chest.

The next scene shows a shadow walking toward the bar toward Marty's office. It is Ray returning to the bar to speak to Marty about the money Marty owes Ray for two-weeks of work. Ray begins to speak to Marty sitting at his desk when Ray notices Marty is unresponsive. He takes a step forward and kicks Abby's gun left on the floor to the other side of the room. Ray stops walks to the desk and sees Marty has been shot in the chest.

Ray takes the body out from the back door of the bar and puts it in his car. He drives to a secluded, dark place and leaves the body out on a deserted road. Marty still alive, begins to crawl away. Ray comes back with a
shovel. He raises the shovel over his shoulder about to hit Marty with it, but doesn't.Instead, he uses the shovel to dig a hole to bury Ray.

A great scene in this film is when Marty in a desperate attempt; takes Abby's gun and shoots at Ray. However, the gun is not loaded. It is a very disturbing scene where the only sound is the loud, hollow clicks of the empty chambers. Ray takes the gun away and buries Marty.

Ray goes home to meet Abby and tells her "Everything is alright, now." Abby is confused and wants to know what is going on. He thinks she killed Marty because he has her gun. He uncomfortably chuckles at Abby, after Abby receives a silent call and tells Ray that is Marty. Abby becomes suspicious of Ray, after she has a dream where Marty tells her to "Be careful he will kill you next."

That's all. I am not telling you the surprise ironic ending. You will have to see the film to know what's happens next. The only thing I will say next is that it is worth it.

The film is an extremely well done accomplishment in independent filmmaking. The brilliant 1940's film-noir feel cinematography is by Barry Sonnerfield. It is a very quirky violent, (Coenesque) film with The Four Tops "Same Old Song," as a theme song. There is also a running gag involving a dead end. You have to see it.

You can see the promise of what's to come in the Coen brother's future films. It reminded me a lot of "Fargo and "No Country for Old Man." It has the same slow pace of "No Country For Old Man," however hold on and keep watching. You will not be disappointed.

"Blood Simple," is PG13, not for children. The film is great fun. I give it a 5 out of 5. For those who have seen the film, will agree with this article and I am jealous of those who haven't. So, sit back on the couch with a box of popcorn, candy and soda and enjoy.

P.S. Please tell me in the comment box below if you have seen "Blood Simple" or not. I would like to know.

Cite References:

www.imbd.com

www.dailyscript.com/scripts/blood_simple.html

www.culturevulture.net/movies/bloodsimple.htm

www.cinematical.com/2008/02/23/retro-cinema-blood-simple/.com