BLOOD SIMPLE (1984)

Director: Joel Coen

Cinematographer: Barry Sonnenfeld

Bar Scene

Night Scene

TECHNICAL SPECS

Camera: Arriflex 35 BL
Format: 35mm, 1.85:1
Lenses: Zeiss Super Speed lenses
Film Stock: Kodak 5294
Key Innovation: Low-budget noir techniques

SONNENFELD'S APPROACH

Philosophy: "Create maximum impact with minimal resources"
Signature: Low-angle, wide-lens compositions
Innovation: Neo-noir lighting on a limited budget
Style: Dramatic shadows and unusual camera angles

LIGHTING SETUP

Bar Scenes: Practical neon sources with strong shadows
Night Exteriors: Hard light with minimal fill
Car Scenes: Motivated light from dashboard and headlights
Interiors: Strong directional light through windows and blinds

VISUAL STRATEGY

Low-angle compositions for dramatic effect
Wide-angle lenses to distort perspective
Strong shadows as visual motif
Ceiling fans creating moving light patterns

RECREATION NOTES

Use wide-angle lenses for dramatic perspective
Position camera at low angles for psychological effect
Create strong directional lighting with minimal sources
Incorporate practical sources (neon, fans) within frame
Employ hard light with minimal fill for noir effect