“Blood Simple” to “Bonnie and Clyde”
Blood Simple (1984) There’s not much simple about this Coen Brothers picture. Funny, suspenseful, and the term “sleazy private eye” is thoroughly defined by M. Emmet Walsh! (KCL)
Blow Up (1966) A European take on Swinging-London, Antonioni’s hypnotic counter-culture celebration is both arresting, rich in symbolism and fiercely provocative (politically and socially) and yet, at times, it’s too clever for it’s own good. Nevertheless Hemmings and Redgrave are magnificently detached in the leads and where else are you going to see The Yardbirds smashing up their gear playing Stroll On. Something of a curate’s egg then, but the rewarding parts far outway the dross. (KT)
The Blues Brothers (1980) Who knew that a mission from God could be so much fun? Amazing cast and remarkable cameos even Spielberg gets in on the fun! Dont even get me started on the music. Heavenly. (SC)
The Body Beneath (1970) Everyone should see at least one Andy Milligan movie in their lifetime. No, really, it should be compulsory. I nominate this one. Milligan was a devotee of “gothic” horror movies and outright exploitationers, sort of the Ed Wood of his day, but without so much of Wood’s goofy surrealism and stream-of-consciousness dialog, and better writing. The budgets run about the same, and occasionally you look at someone’s costume and wonder “Who shot the couch?!”, but Milligan (like Wood) was still putting his best foot forward. (KCL)
Bonnie and Clyde (1967) The movie that united Bluegrass music and chase scenes. The two leads do adequate work, but the real standouts are among the supporting cast, with special kudos to Gene Hackman and Gene Wilder. (KCL)
Originally published in Raspberry World – Volume 2, Issue 1 (June/July 2007)