Film: Blood Simple
Year of production: 2009
UK Release date: 18th April 2011
Distributor: Momentum
Certificate: 12
Running time: 95 mins
Director: Zhang Yimou
Starring: Sun Honglei, Xiao Shen-Yang, Yan Ni, Ni Dahong, Ye Cheng
Genre: Action/Comedy/Crime/Drama/Thriller
Format: DVD
Country of Production: China
Language: Mandarin
With a catalogue of critically acclaimed films to his name, amongst which House Of Flying Daggers and Hero, Zhang Yimou's latest film, Blood Simple, offers a new take on the Coen Brothers’ 1984 film of the same name. A neo-noir crime thriller set in Texas, the original was successful in propelling the Coen Brothers to fame and has come to embody many of the themes often associated with their work. In short, it was a resounding success and stands as an iconic piece of independent cinema. Needless to say, Zhang certainly had his work cut out.
Wang, the rich owner of a small noodle shop situated in a remote desert town, is controlling, ill-tempered and often short-changes his workers. What's more, he's just discovered his long-term wife is having an affair with his apprentice, Li. Shamed by his wife's illicit behaviour; he hires a local patrol officer, Zhang, to murder them and dispose of their bodies, in exchange for a large sum of money. But, as the title suggest, Wang quickly discovers that murder is often anything but simple.
Outwitting his client, Zhang fakes the couple’s death and Wang unwittingly hands over the sizeable fee for their murder. With the transaction complete, Zhang wastes no time in firing a bullet into Wang's chest, ensuring Wang takes their exchange to his grave. Although, just as Wang discovered, such secrets are not easily hidden, even when one is as cautious as Zhang. From a sordid deal between two men, to the calculated murder of Wang, to the disposal of his corpse, each character finds themselves entwined in a web of guilt…
Zhang's Blood Simple bears many similarities to the original. Not only has Zhang done little to alter the original plot, but there are several scenes which are deliberate reconstructions of the original. Even so, Zhang's remake successfully offers a fresh and interesting take on a piece of iconic Western cinema. Combining light-hearted, theatrical comedy with some thoroughly dark themes, Zhang offers up a truly unique experience. Alternating between slapstick comedy and extended scenes depicting the meticulous disposal of bodies, Blood Simple stirs up a range of emotions, whilst offering all the glamorous visuals often associated with a Zhang Yimou feature.
Although, whilst the odd use of slap-stick comedy (particularly prevalent in the film's first act) within an otherwise dark crime-thriller will excite some, it may well alienate some fans of the original. In the case of Blood Simple, the success of its translation ultimately lies in the eye of the beholder and whether they believe glamorous visuals are ever justified when adapting a piece of classic independent cinema. However, in the case of Blood Simple, Zhang has far more to offer than impressive visuals.
Whilst the theatrical performances of some characters may not translate well with Western audiences, they are no doubt subdued by Honglei Sun's rather menacing performance as the patrol officer, Zhang, hired to kill Wang's wife. Zhang could quite easily have been plucked out of many a Coen brothers' script. In fact, he bears some resemblance to Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) of No Country For Old Men. Speaking very little throughout the duration of the film, his character is exposed via his despicable acts of cold-blooded murder.
The impact of this thoroughly engaging performance is undoubtedly increased by the film's beautiful camera work. Extended shots expose Zhang's attempts to correct the ever occurring flaws in his sadistic plan, whilst others frame Zhang as he frantically dashes along the corridors of the noodle shop, following one of his potential victims. Such camera techniques not only prove to make the film a visual treat, but they increase the tension felt during many scenes. Here, Zhang proves his understanding of visual grandeur exceeds the occasional, colourful slow-motion shot.
That said, whilst the themes of Blood Simple differ from Zhang's other works, it maintains the visual style employed in Zhang's previous films. As well as the interesting cinematography outlined above, Blood Simple offers all of the glamorous visuals of Zhang's previous films. Whilst the film's script may be a huge departure from the likes of House Of Flying Daggers, its visuals are just as breathtaking.
Blood Simple is an oddity. It takes a well respected piece of independent Western cinema and lavishes it with an extravagant Eastern flare, as only Zhang Yimou can do. With such a talented director at the helm, its translation is a treat to behold. Although, in order to fully respect the nature of Zhang's Blood Simple, it is important to draw a line between the original and this new adaptation. Zhang's Blood Simple takes the script from the original, but his colourful characters and spellbinding visuals transform this work into an entirely new experience. Zhang's film is bold, interesting and, as is to be expected, a visual treat. It is an 'oddity', and it is this that makes Blood Simple such a wonderful cinematic achievement. ME
