PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Blood Simple tells of the way independent movies became dominant in the ’90s. It’s easy to look at Blood Simple as the little engine that could. The film was created by the dynamic duo of Joel and Ethan Coen, who are also known for Fargo (1996), No Country for Old Men (2007), Burn After Reading (2008), Barton Fink (1991) and The Big Lebowski (1998). This helped pave the way for indie sensations Quentin Tarantino, Rebel Without a Crew boss man, Robert Rodriguez, and noted comedy/horror director, Kevin Smith (the reason I got into film in the first place). Carter Burwell’s score is also hauntingly memorable. The piano playing is masterful and just stays with you, you can listen to my favorite track off the sound track here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI6kvytjG8w
The story offers a tried and true plot, simple enough to keep audiences interested while the Coen Brothers keep it fresh and unique. Blood Simple is filled with an extraordinary cast, especially the star-turning performance from Fargo’s Frances McDormand, now an Oscar winner. Also, their use of the lighting techniques really stand out. There’s a video out there of Bill Hader (IT: Chapter Two 2019 – read our review here) gushing over a scene from Blood Simple where light shines through a gunshot hole, showing the victim of the gunshot taking a knife out of his killer’s hand. It is truly breathtaking how they captured that on screen.
If you haven’t seen this film, I would highly recommend it. It might’ve influenced a lot of your favorites. This movie still holds up, no matter how many times you’ve seen it. Also it would be a great double billing with Red Rock West (1993).
Favorite quotes:
Marty: “If I need you again, I know which rock to turn over.”
Ray: “If you point a gun at someone, you’d better make sure you shoot him, and if you shoot him, you’d better make sure he’s dead, because if he isn’t, then he’s gonna get up and try to kill you.”
So, what are your thoughts on Blood Simple? Have you seen the film? Let us know in the comments below!
