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A SIMPLE PLAN review
Have you ever seen a movie that you wish you had something... anything to do with? You know, you've just seen a flick that's new, that you know damn well will be talked about on down the line. When the disappointment of Godzilla and the Avengers are nothing more than granules of dead brain cells that no longer contain that information. When your grandkids are in film school and they are supposed to see the great crime films... this could very well be one of them.
A SIMPLE PLAN is utterly confounding because for me... I'm speechless. I once thought FARGO was a GREAT film. No... this is a great film. This film isn't a good film, it's not a wonderful film, it is a great film.
I just sat through a film that made me go through the entire catalogue of emotional responses to visual stimuli. The whole cliche of "it made me laugh, it made my cry, it's gonna make me kiss many future hours of my life goodbye" is absolutely true. This is the best film the Coen Brothers could have, but haven't made.
Why the hell am I lauding so many praises upon this flick?
Because of the following...
It's absolutely perfect.
Why?
Unlike almost every crime film I have ever seen, this film has real people, people we have met, have been or are. As a result I was completely sucked in. At first you may think... "Hey this is like FARGO", but other than snow...lotsa snow... this flick is very very different.
One, it's take on crimes and punishments, sins vs the good life... The portrait of greed, paranoia and why a simple plan can go terribly wrong... it's all enough to make you forget who you are, that you are watching a film, that you or any of your life experiences are nothing, that your world does not matter, and ultimately that life could be so much worse than it is.
Billy Bob Thornton is absolutely the leader for BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, he has never ever ever been this good. He plays a "Lennie Small", but one we have all met, that we all feel for, that we all love. Someone that's aware of his shortcomings, that knows he's ugly, stupid and unlovable. And there is nothing worse than that.
I won't repeat one incident that occurs in this film, but I will tell a story that made me bond 110% with Billy Bob's character, you'll understand after you've seen the film what I'm talking about... or perhaps you've had the experience, the feeling, witnessed it, or caused it.
I've been fat my whole concious life, and I've known it. There's always been that feeling in me that my choices in life were limited by the inches around my waist. And I think the feeling that we might all not have a perfect love has been there at some point in our life. But the worst thing is when someone knows this, someone you love/have a crush on/harbor feelings for... you know... Someone you see as a holy grail, comes up to you, plays you for a while, and then you realize that it's all a charade, that behind your back there's giggling, like your the punchline to an evil joke.
Specifically there was a series of incidences in Junior High School (yeah it's a long time ago, and yes I have been over it for a long time). I came in very confident. Somehow that whole 'Fat' thing was basically reconciled in me by the 4th grade, so when people did the lard-ass or whale or blubberbutt bits, well it didn't hurt because I was a lardass, a whale and a blubberbutt. But when I entered Junior High there was a new level of torment. In the 'Glee Squad' there was a group of 'Goddesses' babes that I thought about well before the concept of masturbation even existed. They were simply... untouchables, works of art to be admired in the sun's glow, a flourescent flicker and the low wattage hallways of Lanier. They'd walk around in their purple pleated Glee Squad skirts with their purple lead shielding panties, and they ruled the school. After about two weeks they chose me to be their prey. It started with them sitting at my table during lunch. I was painfully shy at this time, I had the confidence of a lowly mollusk. But with them close, I could get a better look at em, and in my dense cranial activity, I pondered that perhaps they liked me. Then they started doing things like feeling my thigh, slapping my ass and hugging me and kissing a cheek (on my face). Then they'd run off laughing with their friends and money would exchange. That's when it hit me, I was a circus freak, the fat man on display for a ten cent ticket. Then I went home and I thought long and hard about how to handle the situation, and I came to the conclusion that I would simply slap their asses, squeeze their tits, and show em what it's like. They left me alone after that. I stood up to their games and fired back. After that, there was a certain amount of freedom in me. Billy Bob never stood up.
Billy Bob is undescribable in this film. It is the most powerful performance I've seen this year. It's amazing. In all of it's 35 mm glory I just stared slack jawed. It wasn't just me, Quint, Tom Joad and Annette Kellerman all were there to back me up with their level of being stunned. There was only one thing not complete in this film and that's the score. I have one hope in the score, I hope that the music the teddy bear makes (or should make) would also be the overlying theme of the entire film. The score needs to be unobtrusive, because anything too loud... too emotional could possibly taint the brilliance of these performances.
This human drama, this story of chaos and fate and futility is what great filmmaking is about. And your answer to the following question may forever be changed...
What would you do if you came across $4.4 million dollars out in the woods, and you could just take it home?
My answer before this movie was, take the money.... now... well it's kinda like when I saw Treasure of Sierra Madre... Money..gold...fortune & glory... it ain't all it's cracked up to be, the devil's in the details...
When this film comes out... don't think...don't consider it... go see the movie and marvel at what makes a GREAT film.
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I am thrilled this movie is good. I read the book a few years back, and my first thought was what a terrific movie it would make. The characters were well drawn, and it made you ask what you would do in the same situation. And how quickly something great can turn into something horrible. The casting sounds just right, thank God, they usually screw up great books with poor choices on the actors. Looking forward to plunking down the dollars for this one!
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If you'll remember, Harry, I've been talking this one up since the script stage. I've never read the novel, and quite frankly, I don't want to. Why? Because it feels like I already have, and life's too short. I'll be terribly surprised if Thornton doesn't win the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for this.
It all comes down to the screenplay, folks, which is why Andrew Kevin Walker should be making as much money per picture as Jim Carrey. -
When I first saw the trailer, I thought at once, "Fargo." There was basically a very Coen-ish mood flowing through it entirely. I can't wait for this film, as it might be one of the best of the year...but let's hope it's at least as good as the novel it is based on was.
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The book is great, I just hope the movie can be half as good. All that talk about fat has me confused. In the book he is fat but billy bob looks positively haggard in the trailer. He's almost skinny .... am I wrong? Also, who is the screenwriter? What has he done before? and ditto for director.
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The screenplay was written by Scott Smith, the author of the novel. I found the book to be pretty damn engrossing, even though I couldn't quite buy Hank's descent into evil. Still, it's a wonderfully plotted novel, and I can't wait to see what an undervalued talent like Raimi does with it.
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When you say " the convenience store scene" do you mean the scene at the end in the liquor store near the airport? If so I will be sorely dissapointed ... that, to me, completes his descent into hell. Is it Sam Raimi who is directing? Great choice!
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I don't think Harry has to worry - Danny Elfman is scoring A SIMPLE PLAN and nailing a film's tone is his greatest strength.
Ryan
Danny Elfman's
Music For A Darkened People
http://members.tripod.com/~ELFMAN
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Cripes Harry!
My confidence was shaken earlier in the summer when you praised ARMAGEDDON. Now that you have proclaimed A SIMPLE PLAN as "absolutely perfect", I know you are one of two things:
1) seriously addicted to mind-altering drugs
or
2) an ignorant rube with no idea what a good movie is.
I hope you recover from your afflictions, but after reading your review of A SIMPLE PLAN, I refuse to support your efforts.
Sincerely,
BILLY BOB ON THIS -
While I stated before that I found Hank's descent into evil not wholly understandable (he shook off the first murder way too easily,) I thought the liquor store scene was hysterical in the most macabre sense. If committed to celluloid, it would be a truly classic scene. It's unfortunate that we'll never see it, but I'm sure Sam & co. had their reasons to cut it. I'm not going to question the man who gave us Ash on his judgement.
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I'm curious, in what city and at what theater did you see A SIMPLE PLAN? And what was the audience reaction? Please get back to me.
Many thanks,
Jeff -
Is this movie really that good? Or are you just stroking it becasue you and Billy Bob's character shared such a humiliating experience due to your fatness? Just wondering.
Thanks -
The ignorance of what the role of a film critic is *supposed* to be in America astounds me. Harry can't speak for each and every individual mind and soul in the country. For HIM, A simple Plan is a perfect movie. For me, A Simple Plan was an outstanding film that I was very grateful to see. Just because Harry says, "This is a great film", that doesn't mean he's speaking for you, or for anybody else. He speaks for his own sense of tastes -- I thought that has always been a given in reading film criticism. the trick is in finding a critic who speaks to your sensibilities (Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times more often than not speaks to mine). Thinking Harry knows - or cares - about your tastes in films is so indicative of the small minded little twerps you find on the net. Get a clue.
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Okay, now... usually, I refuse to respond to someone's OPINION of a film.
I mean, I let it slide when you sang the praises of "Godzilla", and RETRACTED that opinion when you saw it a second time.
That was bad.
Then, you loved "Armageddon."
Strike two.
But now... "A Simple Plan"? Did we see the same film?
First of all... Bill "Plastic" Paxton. In this film, the guy has the personality and charisma of driftwood. I've liked Paxton in his smaller supporting roles, but he just does NOT work in this.
Now... Billy Bob. Poor Billy Bob. Forced to play another retard. Only this time, he's been drained of humanity, pathos, believability, etc. We honestly don't know whether to laugh at this guy or cry over it. And believe me, by the time the final reel unfolds, we've made our decision. And it doesn't involve empathy.
And Bridget Fonda? Need I go on?
Sam Raimi, in an attempt to go "Fargo" himself into a higher tax bracket, has sold himself out and made a laughably bad "thriller." He lacks any of the vision, passion and appreciation for his characters that Joel Coen imbued his far superior film with.
Raimi's more enjoyable films are full of life. Energetic. Exciting. This film lumbers about like a dead dog.
And now, Raimi is directing the new Kevin Costner baseball vehicle. Wonderful.
Anyway, I've said enough. If you liked this film, more power to you. My prayers are with you. -
It's been fun following the progess of this film A buddy and I had the good fortune to play extras during the filming in Ashland, WI back in January. It was a good experience and it was interesting watching Sam Raimi work. Thanks for posting your comments I hope the movie turns out to be as good as you say. I also hope the sequences we shot make it to the screen, but only time will tell.
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If the movie is halfway as good
as the book, then it's a keeper.
Probably one of the five or six
best books I've ever read. I
heard about the movie being made
about a year ago - heard nothing
after that and figured that it
wasn't going to get made. I was
sorry, because the book blew me
away. Anyway, as I said, if the
movie is anywhere near what the
book is, it should be a winner. -
Hey brother, great review. Pats on the back for your personal info as well, seriously wonderfull. I saw the trailer for this film about two weeks ago, I was all over it then, more so now.
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Maybe I saw a different cut, but aside from some admittedly solid performances (including Billy Bob's), "A Simple Plan" has got to be the worst hollywood flick I've seen in years. Sherry Lansing was outside the screening hall talking to some Gen-X mogul wannabes, and I overheard her say something to the effect, "But you see, they weren't laughing WITH the dialogue, they were laughing AT it." I see how she got where she is. Absolutely ridiculous things came out of the mouths of Bill Paxton and (especially) Bridget Fonda. Sorry, but thumbs down a deep well on this one.
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Good thing no one knows what a fraud you are , Harry. My sources tell me you didn't even SEE this film, let alone LIKE it. You should be ashamed...and to think I was gonna write a book about you.
Harry, I hope you crash your car in a remote desert area somewhere and that buzzards pick every shred of your comprimising lard ass from your fragile bones.
Shame on you, Harry.
SHAME ON YOU FOR MAKING ME LOVE YOU!
Hugs and Kisses,
EB -
Your review of this movie has moistened my appetite for this film like you wouldnt believe. I read the book a couple of years ago and i was blown away by that so it seems the cinematic rendition does it justice. Do you know when it comes out in the U.K? Also do you have any info on Fear and Loathing and Green river rising, both of which are great books in their own right.
Cheers -
Hmm... haven't seen "A Simple Plan" yet, but I read your review, and here's some food for thought:
"Lenny Smalls" was also the name of the Lone Biker of the Apocalypse in "Raising Arizona." At least, that's what his friends call him.... 'cept he don't got no friends. -
Thank God someone had the brains to make that book into a Movie. I read the book several years ago and was floored by it. I also thought of what a great movie it would make. And no, after reading the book, I'd run like hell if I found the money!
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I can't beleive all that drool for a film that came from a GREAT BOOK! Remember, it WAS a BOOK first.
BBThorton, should show us what he can do WHITOUT a prosthetic appliance. He hit his wife, remember? -
Billy Bob Thornton's performance is beyond outstanding in this flick. It is most likely gonna get a few nominations, but Thornton is GUARANTEED the best supporting oscar.
I am not too much of a fan of Paxton's but he puts on his bets performance that i have seen in this movie.
If the book is even half as good, I am gonna have to read it. -
Hey there,
I read this book 3-4 years ago because it was written by a guy from Toledo, Ohio, where I went to college. I've read it three times, and listened to it on tape twice. I've been waiting on this movie to come out forever, because I couldn't get anyone to read the book, when I tried to explain it, they would just nod and say, "uh-huhn, sure". Try as I might, I couldn't convince ANYONE. Then I saw a short spot on E! that said it was in production with Billy Bob and Bill Paxton. I couldn't believe it. They were perfect!! I did hear that were setting it in Minnesota instead of Ohio, which kind of pissed me off, I mean give me a break, it snows A LOT in northern Ohio. And I am personally thrilled that the Coen brothers are not part of this film, the story is powerful enough on it's own, they would have made it too wierd.
I can't wait for this to be a smashing hit, and for all my book-reading friends to tell me how great it was, and for me to say I told you so, THREE YEARS AGO!!!!. Everytime I go to the library I look for more books by this guy, but there never are any. Let's hope the movie does well and he writes more.
On a personal note, I'm a Guidance Counselor, and I think all kids who make fun of others should be painted blue so the good kids could stay away from them and not be hurt so much. I hope all of those girls who made fun of you see this movie and feel terrible for what they did.
Hope to see more on the making of this movie. -
I just saw the world premiere of A Simple Plan here in Toronto. I too read the book a few years ago when I was going through a trashy novel phase. I quite liked it, and the film was about as good - certainly no large differences that I could remember plotwise. Billy Bob is great, and Paxton is his usual low key self. What surprised me was Raimi's direction - no pyrotechnics at all. The stars came out and went on and on about how much they love Toronto (BBT was here a year ago filming someting or other) and at the party he said to me that it's the nicest city he's been in in North America.
So there you have it. Not a bad movie, IMO, but not the masterpiece the original poster made it out to be.
mf -
I read the book "A Simple Plan" about 4 years ago and to this day I feel queasy thinking about the story. I am VERY happy to see it made into a film, although I can't imagine feeling any worse for the characters than I already have felt.
Do you know if "A Confederacy of Dunces" is ever going to be made into a motion picture? -
When I heard Sam Rami was doing A Simple Plan, I freaked out. I love the Evil Dead films and have heard nothing but good things about the book. I went and saw a sneak preview of it with some friends and we were pumped. Just before the lights dimmed, I informed my buddies that I'd read our hero Sam had moved away from all of his shakey cam stuff and instead focused on telling a good story.
Well, he didn't do it...for me at least.
Yes, Billy Bob Thorton was amazing and I think the scene your talking about (plus the scene in Lou's house) are very touching and nicely acted. But the movie as a whole had no depth. I wasn't surprised by any of the plot twist, nor did I care about any of the character's (espically Bill Paxton - and he's our protangonist!) I think A Simple Plans biggest problem was that it had it's author (Scott B. Smith) adapted his own work. The movie reads like almost every other crappy screen adaption by an author ( Did you see Stephen King's The Shining!)
I think the movie would had been better if the script was tighter (maybe Rami and the Coen's adapting) and if Ben Stiller had played the lead like they planned.
I will say that I went with five friends and the majority of them liked it. One of which LOVED it. And I will also note that a women infront of me was crying at the films climax.
But, as we were leaving, my friend John said " It was good, but the book had more depth. You felt more for the charcters." Just then a lady turned around and said, " Oh yeah, well that must have been one shitty book!"
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A friend of mine claims that he was in a test audience earlier this year for ASP and he saw a different ending than the one I just saw in the theatres. He says that Paxton and BBThornton were both walking around at the farm at the end of the film. What the hell? Was there a different ending filmed and tested?
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SAM RAIMI'S A SIMPLE PLAN DID HAVE A FARGO VIBE,BUT IT IS A PURTY DAMN GOOD FLICK.HATS OFF TO ALL THE PEOPLE BEHIND IT.
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