Joel Coen (U.S. 1984) 95 minutes DCP. With John Getz, Frances McDormand, Dan Hedaya, M. Emmet Walsh.

This razor-sharp modern film noir, the first film by Joel and Ethan Coen, introduced the brothers’ inimitable black humor and eccentric sense of character, a sensibility that has helped shape the course of contemporary American cinema. Deep in the heart of Texas, a sleazy bar owner suspects his wife of having an affair and hires a private detective to confirm his suspicions—only to have the crosshairs turned back on himself. Playfully shot by Barry Sonnenfeld and featuring a haunting score by Carter Burwell and a cunning performance by Frances McDormand, Blood Simple was a career-launching film for this ensemble and the first articulation of the precision of style that has defined the Coens’ work ever since. This DCP restoration of the director’s cut has been created and re-released by Janus Films. Founded in 1956, Janus was one of the first distributors to bring what are now regarded as the masterpieces of world cinema to American audiences. Thanks to Janus and its home video arm Criterion, nearly 1000 foreign, independent and classic American movies are kept alive for new generations–the partnership between this venerable distributor and independent cinema has been essential and we honor them for what they do. “American film culture without Janus Films is unthinkable.” – Kent Jones, Film Society of Lincoln Center.

“Tightly composed and beautifully shot… [Blood Simple] exhibits a passion for the medium and history of film itself. Displays many [Coen brothers] hallmarks: unexpected violence, old-coot cowboys, funny dialogue, striking imagery, fat men in suits screaming, double-crosses, and Frances McDormand. The film’s taut climax, an outburst of gore and revelation, is as suspenseful as anything the Coens have produced since.”
– Chris Packham, The Village Voice