Stylistically speaking, this was a good movie--with a nice somber mood, excellent acting (except for M. Emmett Walsh--who just seemed too over the top). However, there were just too many plot devices that just didn't make a lot of sense--in other words, plot twists that were interesting but were too unrealistic to make the movie more engaging. Some examples: 1. Dan Hedaya is shot in the chest and he appears dead. He's been bleeding out for what appears to be at least a couple hours. He is found by the male lead and is dragged off to a rural spot to be buried. However, just before he is buried, he starts crawling away with amazing speed and power for a man who appears to have lost at least a gallon of blood AND who has been untreated for quite some time.
2. Walsh kills Hedaya. Fine--this double-cross makes sense. But, to then try to kill the wife and her lover doesn't make that much sense--especially when this scruffy guy suddenly shows that he is an excellent marksman! Then, after snuffing the lover, the ending is exciting but way too unbelievable for words.
SO, my review is an anomaly. Most reviewers liked it a lot. I just thought it was okay and the Coens have done much better films--such as their comedies. And, for a drama, I think Miller's Crossing is a MUCH better film.
2. Walsh kills Hedaya. Fine--this double-cross makes sense. But, to then try to kill the wife and her lover doesn't make that much sense--especially when this scruffy guy suddenly shows that he is an excellent marksman! Then, after snuffing the lover, the ending is exciting but way too unbelievable for words.
SO, my review is an anomaly. Most reviewers liked it a lot. I just thought it was okay and the Coens have done much better films--such as their comedies. And, for a drama, I think Miller's Crossing is a MUCH better film.