Frances McDormand, in a scene from the 1984 Coen brothers film 'Blood Simple.' What: "Blood Simple," the 1984 crime thriller and directorial debut of then-no-names Joel and Ethan Coen.

This is The Times’ Feb. 28, 1985, review. “Blood Simple” begins with what could easily be “Paris, Texas” outtakes.

Blood Simple screens on May 11 at Hollywood Theatre. It’s shockingly accomplished in terms of tone and technique (for being a first feature) and haunted by one of Carter Burwell’s best piano ...