University of South Carolina Libraries
Simple thriller packs By Pot J?w "Blood Simple" is an interesting, steamy thriller with in J I I iciiigcmc, visual ui uiiaiivc, iiuiicsi uiuiu^uc tutu iuw-Kcy satiric humor. The smart and smarmy film debut of Joel and Ethan Coen features no memorable performances but wraps a story around human vices ? guilt, greed, deception and infidelity. The heart of the film concerns Julian Marty (Dan Hedaya), who has split with his wife Abby (Frances McDormand). The issue is her affair with Ray (John Getz), a bartender at Marty's honky-tonk bar. Marty's rage burns like his nearby incinerator; it's a contained heat that's on the verge of flaring up. MiDTV v padmg ti.A ?rr?u A lyirini a v/i iuv anaii iiv/iii a j^uvait uivtsu^aiui PREGNANCY EK ^75 I-^T? TIVyT T7T? A 1U1UUXV OlVUHUl ii I I B I Hasaspe tKI Pfaic ki 1 S from I Vehicles Included in the Plan. \bu may choose a new 1985 Thunderbird, LTD, Tempo, Mustang, Escort, Bronco II or light trucks up to F-250. 1*Pre-Approved Credit. ^ Just meet three simple conditions: You must have verifiable empl< ment that begins within 120 day: vehicle purchase at a salary suff ordinary living expenses and yo You must have proof that you I and be awarded at least a bache I BSIaBBfi . brilliance with mvsti he hired (M. Emmet Walsh). After seeing the evidence and fighting with Abby, he asks the investigator to do a job for him. The private eye says, "If the price is right and it's strictly legal, I'll do it." Marty says the job is not legal; he wants Ab I n l > uy ana nay murucrca. The slimy private eye docs what any greedy loser would do. He fakes evidence of his hit, brings it to Marty for the pay and then tries to kill Marty for the other money in his safe. Nothing goes as planned, though, as the investigator leaves incriminating evidence behind. The film's theme is guilt ? everyone is either guilty or suspects another character of greedy deeds. The film employs, ro?li?p than a /i/m tfrtir tr\ cnrPPPfl I Qlllvl VIIUII iiiiiiiivj, u ynrn nvir ivviiiii?|mv vmvvvvmi Getz works with his characterization, but McDormand isn't as sensual, tough or vulnerable as the Abby we expect. Hedaya dd IIb]??st Ic your ? " *2* intake of liection. nutritious foe * ' Ism lob Bennett Few rial gift for upcoming -Apron I A AA A AW nv\ KU tKL 400 purchase alb i Fora Motor Con: r T t wm j *m ''W1 t ?fis=i _ ' (ioSB 1 ^ JEflsfiffii H ^H||y^^ sof icient to covfir^n?;W^' ur vehicle payment. lave graduated or will graduate HE^B lor's degree within 120 days. K|3^1 MSfiTrSB^WRTli B a mm mwi 177 GREYSTONI jry, suspense WALSH STEALS the film; he's having the time of his life with his private-eye character/ Walsh is the only one in the film who seems to be enjoying ^himself. No one has had this much fun with a character sinct Norman Bates returned to his motel. The cinematography makes use of shadows, ceiling fans and light and dark imagery. Not everything works in this film. The story is honest but too simple. The film seems to lose its action and interest, and the extremely grisly climax borders on the ridiculous. Despite its shortcomings, "Blood Simple" is one of the most intelligent American film debuts in years. Joel and Ethan Coen are extremely talented. It may not make a great first impression, but it's packed with brilliance and will grow on you. ? : ' J are - Support the RDOllt ($r) Mgrch of Dimes M&f OUBMWTH WftCIS KXINOAnONHHHi >d. rd I graduates 8 >VED niu I kvnu i jwance** I many. I * ^our cre^'t record, if pj you have one, must indi- M rate navment made as H 3pr a?,?ed- 1 PP^ **$400 Purchase fej Allowance. m Make your best deal...use the M $400 as a down payment or receive a check directly from Ford alter the sale. p-j HMMIMJI 1 E BLVD. ? TAKE ZOO EXIT OFF r26 g|