How far North can you go before the freezing temperatures, sleet, and zero visibility will inevitably cause snow blindness, and render things incomprehensibly simple. Blood Simple (1984), the Coen Bros. first Movie seemed to ask the same question about going South, except that there it is the desert and heat stroke that will make things unbearably complex among the simplicity.

Most Film Critics and even some astute casual Movie Watchers will know about that Style and Substance thing. The Coens usually deliver a substantial amount of both and that's Their Secret Ingredient. That blend of herbs and spices that make Their Films tasty and delicious.

This is one bleak and brutal Movie, that is also Funny. You there at Film School, try and pull that one off and if you do Hollywood is waiting, and so is Box Office and Critical acclaim. The Characters here, are not Ivy League Smart, they are homespun, earthy, and are on top of things even when that isn't obvious.

The Movie is pristine looking and void of much Color, except maybe Red and it is the Red against White contrast that is the Template of this fine Character Study. With just a touch of steely Blue added from Mythical Icons, this is a solidified American Fairy Tale that takes place just this side of the Canadian Border. Yah, this is a Great Movie. Whoa Daddy!