Blank Check with Griffin & David: "Blood Simple with Ray Tintori & Jordan Fish"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Blank Check with Griffin & David
- Host/Authors: Griffin Newman and David Sims
- Episode: Blood Simple with Ray Tintori & Jordan Fish
- Release Date: July 13, 2025
- Produced by: Ben Hosley
Introduction
In the July 13, 2025 episode of Blank Check with Griffin & David, hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims delve into the Coen Brothers' debut film, Blood Simple. Joining them are longtime friends and filmmakers Ray Tantori and Jordan Fish, who provide additional insights into the film's production, performances, and enduring legacy.
Background on Blood Simple
Blood Simple marks the Coen Brothers’ first foray into the neo-noir genre, establishing their signature blend of dark humor, intricate plotting, and unforgettable characters. The film, set in Texas, revolves around a love triangle that spirals into murder and betrayal.
Notable Quote:
- David Sims [00:53]: "I think he's quiet in this."
Casting and Performances
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the casting of John Getz as Marty and Dan Hedaya as Emmett Walsh. The hosts praise Hedaya's nuanced portrayal of the conflicted sheriff, highlighting his ability to infuse the character with both menace and vulnerability.
Notable Quotes:
- Jordan Fish [03:22]: "He almost sounds like that voice actor who's in the Disney Robin Hood at times."
- David Sims [05:35]: "His performance is so singular and it sounds like in a lot of ways it kind of happened by accident."
The conversation also touches on the Best Lead Actor win at the Independent Spirit Awards, where Hedaya was recognized for his role despite being a supporting character.
Notable Quote:
- David Sims [07:05]: "It was the first indie spirits ever."
Production and Filmmaking Process
The episode provides an in-depth look at the Coen Brothers' meticulous approach to filmmaking. Hosts discuss the challenges they faced during the production of Blood Simple, including budget constraints and the innovative methods they employed to bring their vision to life.
Notable Quotes:
- David Sims [62:16]: "They decided to make a trailer as if they had made the finished film, because no one wants to read scripts."
- David Sims [73:14]: "They were like, any sort of emotional nuance in that film is what the actors brought to it."
Ray Tantori shares anecdotes about the storyboard process, emphasizing the Coens' reliance on visual storytelling and improvisation.
Notable Quote:
- Ray Tantori [47:05]: "When they hit a wall, they don't ram into the wall. They're just kind of like, okay, if it's not coming to us, then we have to come back until it makes sense."
Reception and Legacy
Blood Simple premiered at major film festivals, receiving a mix of critical acclaim and initial skepticism. Over time, it has been recognized as a landmark film that showcased the Coen Brothers' potential, setting the stage for their illustrious careers.
Notable Quotes:
- Griffin Newman [31:50]: "This film is coming out during a Neo noir boom. I don't know if you guys would agree with that."
- David Sims [136:05]: "It's something that drives me physically viscerally uncomfortable that I made this commitment to myself from that movie of just like, I am never letting something film until it's ready ever again."
The hosts compare Blood Simple to later Coen films like Fargo and No Country for Old Men, illustrating the evolution of their storytelling and thematic depth.
Notable Quotes:
- Jordan Fish [39:06]: "It's a film designed knowing that audiences watch these types of movies that way."
- Ray Tantori [138:02]: "This could be a good series for you, by the way."
Key Themes and Artistic Choices
The conversation delves into the thematic elements of Blood Simple, such as deceit, mistrust, and the unintended consequences of one's actions. The Coens' choice to minimize dialogue in favor of visual storytelling is highlighted as a deliberate technique to heighten tension and immerse the audience in the characters' psychological turmoil.
Notable Quotes:
- David Sims [137:08]: "It's not a whodunit. So what happened?"
- Griffin Newman [141:26]: "And Emmett Walsh cracking up as he's dying. Like, it's just a great character detail."
The episode also examines the use of cinematography and sound, praising the collaboration with Barry Sonnenfeld and Carter Burwell, which contributed to the film's haunting atmosphere.
Notable Quotes:
- Jordan Fish [143:34]: "There are so many pickup shots in this movie down to, like, that little drip of water. That's the very last shot of the movie."
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with reflections on the enduring impact of Blood Simple and the Coen Brothers' innovative filmmaking style. Ray Tantori and Jordan Fish express their admiration for the film's complexity and the Coens' ability to create compelling narratives that leave a lasting impression.
Notable Quotes:
- Griffin Newman [155:23]: "Blood simple. I'm gonna read from the dossier."
- Jordan Fish [161:57]: "Yeah, they're the best directors. I feel like every one of their movies is interesting to talk about, to watch, to think about, and to watch endlessly."
Hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims invite listeners to continue exploring the Coen Brothers' filmography in upcoming episodes, promising deeper dives into their subsequent works and collaborative dynamics.
Wrap-Up
Blood Simple serves as a perfect entry point into the Coen Brothers' oeuvre, showcasing their early mastery of narrative complexity and character development. This episode of Blank Check with Griffin & David not only celebrates the film's achievements but also sets the tone for an engaging exploration of the auteurs' artistic journey.
Notable Quotes and Timestamps:
- David Sims [00:53]: "I think he's quiet in this."
- Jordan Fish [03:22]: "He almost sounds like that voice actor who's in the Disney Robin Hood at times."
- David Sims [05:35]: "His performance is so singular and it sounds like in a lot of ways it kind of happened by accident."
- David Sims [07:05]: "It was the first indie spirits ever."
- David Sims [62:16]: "They decided to make a trailer as if they had made the finished film, because no one wants to read scripts."
- Ray Tantori [47:05]: "When they hit a wall, they don't ram into the wall. They're just kind of like, okay, if it's not coming to us, then we have to come back until it makes sense."
- David Sims [73:14]: "They were like, any sort of emotional nuance in that film is what the actors brought to it."
- Griffin Newman [31:50]: "This film is coming out during a Neo noir boom. I don't know if you guys would agree with that."
- David Sims [136:05]: "It's something that drives me physically viscerally uncomfortable that I made this commitment to myself from that movie of just like, I am never letting something film until it's ready ever again."
- Jordan Fish [39:06]: "It's a film designed knowing that audiences watch these types of movies that way."
- Ray Tantori [138:02]: "This could be a good series for you, by the way."
- David Sims [137:08]: "It's not a whodunit. So what happened?"
- Griffin Newman [141:26]: "And Emmett Walsh cracking up as he's dying. Like, it's just a great character detail."
- Jordan Fish [143:34]: "There are so many pickup shots in this movie down to, like, that little drip of water. That's the very last shot of the movie."
- Griffin Newman [155:23]: "Blood simple. I'm gonna read from the dossier."
- Jordan Fish [161:57]: "Yeah, they're the best directors. I feel like every one of their movies is interesting to talk about, to watch, to think about, and to watch endlessly."
Note: Advertisements and non-content segments between timestamps [40:10]-[43:19] and [157:05]-[166:06] were excluded from this summary as per instructions.