The gamecock. (Columbia, S.C.) 1908-2006, April 24, 1985, Page Page 13, Image 13
Simple thriller packs
By Pot J?w
"Blood Simple" is an interesting, steamy thriller with in
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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.
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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
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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,
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Getz works with his characterization, but McDormand isn't
as sensual, tough or vulnerable as the Abby we expect. Hedaya
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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.
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