THE EPIC FILM JOURNAL - DAY TWO

Film Number 3 - A Simple Plan

This 1998, Sam Raimi directed drama only came to my attention about six months ago as I was scouring the internet for films that I had never heard of. This one come in during that period of Raimi’s career when he was trying to make films that actually take place in the real world without any supernatural or fantastical elements. This all pretty much stopped after The Gift and all we have had since Raimi has involved spiders and gypsy demons. For me I find this a shame, this film was such a pleasant surprise and clearly shows that Raimi has some skill for drama with real life settings and stories.

So onto the film, Simple plan made for a nice tidy 17 million and made a gross of about 16 and a half, so after all the dvds and cable deal the film probably made back its budget but it’s a shame that it didn’t do better. The film is a very basic premise; three men find a duffel bag with four million dollars of cash inside, however the way the movie plays out its events is extremely complex and surprising. The story is very well told, the pacing is nice and smooth with clever plot twists that feel fresh for the genre. I will start with the negatives first because I have so few to include, the film begins with a very monotone narration by Bill Paxton who sums up his dull and ordinary life. This narration is the weakest part of the film, Paxton sounds as if he is just simply reading the dialogue of cue cards, there is zero emotion but instead of adding to the mundane existence of the characters it feels too manufactured and careless. Apart from this narration (which you actually forget about quite quickly) I really can’t find any other faults. Danny Elfman’s score is a well balanced subtle aid that knows when to pile on the extra tension and when to hold back and let the actions of the characters provide the tension. The cinematography is beautiful, showing the vast and epic snowy landscapes with the small figures walking by. The shots and camera movement are so engaging and powerful enhancing the smallest scenes and always making the action engaging.

What I find funny are moments where I expect Raimi to do something obvious and cheesy like we see hiiim do all the time he show restrain and maturity that I wish could be present in more of his films. For instance when the discovery of the money happens, the catalyst for all the drama in the film, it happens off screen! There is no giant swooping camera shot or slow pans upwards with a loud rhythmic crescendo, the money just appears and I guess that this illustrate one of the films biggest strengths, is that it isn’t about the money but rather the characters and their actions. The money serves as the classic MacGuffin, the characters constantly surprise and entertain and this is really aided by the excellent script. Scott B. Smith expertly adapts his novel for the film and looking at his filmography I am said to learn that he hasn’t really done anything else, which is a real shame because he clearly has a lot of talent.

The acting is spot on, Bill Paxton just goes through all the emotions and keeps you griped until the end, here we finally have a film where all the characters are worth investing in. Billy Bob Thornton is at the top of his game and it is sad to think of what films he has been in lately, he plays Paxtons mentally challenged brother with great skill; he even makes us think that he might actually have a better grasp on reality then it seems. Bridget Fonda acts as the hidden mastermind and her emotions and change of ethics is fascinating throughout. The characters are extremely complex for people with such simple lives, their actions and thought processes are never predictable and just make the film even more intriguing.Watching these regular people turn and change before your eyes is so captivating and it expertly crafted.

After finishing the film I was reminded of a lot of the Coen Brothers thrillers such as Blood Simple and Burn After Reading, it’s dark, humorous, bloody and brutal at times. It is a true undiscovered gem and I can’t recommend it enough, you will not be disappointed.

My score is a nice 8 out of 10, do not miss this one.

So that’s day two and so far this is going very well. Tomorrow is going to be a cinema day check back and find out what monstrosities and masterpieces of modern cinema I have watched.