Signs and Wonders last entry was Blood Simple which I saw last night. It certainly held your attention. The Coen brothers know how to craft suspense through their dialogue and character facial expressions. I was always waiting for the next murder. You just didn't know what would happen or who would survive.
That's the key to terrific suspense, I think.
While the movie was great on a suspense and intrigue level, it left a lot of unanswered questions and little lasting impact. It was a total mystery to everyone as to what exactly the film was trying to say. If anything.
The consensus seemed to be that the film was showing us dishonest people and how they pay for their dishonesty. During the opening monologue, one character laments that, "Here in Texas, you're on your own." Every character in this movie was only looking out for their own interests and they all paid a price at the end, one way or another.
That seemed to be the message anyway. It wasn't that obvious.
I usually prefer films that have discernible messages. I'm not talking about totally obvious like Fireproof or Facing the Giants. The Lord of the Rings trilogy had numerous messages in it but they were played out through actions and not words.
I may not agree with a film's message. Avatar comes to mind. But I at least like knowing, or at least being able to make a good guess, what it is.
I feel like you hit the nail on the head when you say that the message had to do with the opening monologue. This movie depicts a life in which you live for yourself. This movie stands as a tragic parable to people who live for themselves and do almost anything for themselves. This movie shows what can happen to us if we become so blinded by our lusts, revenge, desires, and greed. I felt, personally, that that message was very clear. It didn't necessarily leave us feeling very warm inside which I think upset a lot of people. It reminded me of when this class watched "Fridge" and everyone did know the message although maybe they didn't know it, but they were a little put off by that unpleasant feeling the film left us with. I dunno its just a thought. I personally loved it, but I think you hit on some really great points.
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