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Raising Arizona / Blood Simple

Raising Arizona / Blood Simple

£14.50 GBP
£14.50 GBP
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Label: Varese Saraband
Release Year: 1994
Barcode: 030206728422
Country of Origin: US
Product Type: CD (Pre-owned)
Type: Score
Composer: Carter Burwell

Raising Arizona

"Raising Arizona" is a 1987 American crime comedy film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. It stars Nicolas Cage as H.I. McDunnough, an ex-convict, and Holly Hunter as Edwina "Ed" McDunnough, a former police officer. The film revolves around this unlikely couple's extreme efforts to start a family, leading them to kidnap a quintuplet from a wealthy furniture tycoon.

Known for its distinctive style, quirky humor, and surreal elements, the film explores themes of crime, family, and redemption in a unique and comedic way. Its exaggerated characters and bizarre plot twists make it a classic example of the Coen Brothers' early film work, blending elements of satire, slapstick, and the absurd.

The soundtrack of "Raising Arizona" is noted for its eclectic and memorable composition, predominantly scored by Carter Burwell in his first collaboration with the Coen Brothers.

The music is a blend of yodeling, bluegrass, and traditional American folk, which perfectly complements the film's offbeat and whimsical tone. One of the most recognizable pieces is an upbeat rendition of the traditional gospel song "Down in the Willow Garden," played during the opening credits. The soundtrack effectively enhances the film's quirky, regional atmosphere, and its unique blend of styles mirrors the film's blending of comedy and drama, making it an integral part of the film's enduring appeal.

Blood Simple

Blood Simple" is a 1984 neo-noir crime film, marking the directorial debut of Joel and Ethan Coen. Set in Texas, the film weaves a dark and complex tale of betrayal, jealousy, and murder. It centers around Abby (played by Frances McDormand), who is having an affair with Ray (John Getz), an employee of her husband Marty (Dan Hedaya), a sleazy bar owner. Marty, suspicious of the affair, hires a private detective, Loren Visser (M. Emmet Walsh), to kill the couple, setting off a chain of deceit and misunderstanding. The film's title derives from the Dashiell Hammett novel "Red Harvest," where "blood simple" describes the addled, fearful mindset people are in after a prolonged immersion in violent situations. The film is known for its stylish cinematography, tight script, and a mood of foreboding, which showcases the Coen Brothers' unique blend of dark humor and dramatic storytelling.

The soundtrack of "Blood Simple" is as haunting and atmospheric as the film itself. Composed by Carter Burwell in his first film collaboration with the Coen Brothers, the music plays a critical role in setting the film's tense and foreboding tone. The soundtrack is characterized by its minimalist style, using synthesizers and sparse instrumentation to create a sense of unease and suspense. It mirrors the film's noir aesthetic, accentuating the dark and brooding atmosphere that pervades the narrative. The use of diegetic sounds and a restrained musical score effectively heightens the suspense and drama, making the soundtrack a subtle yet powerful component of the film's overall impact.

Track Listing

  1. Introduction - A Hole In The Ground
  2. Way Out There
  3. He Was Horrible
  4. Just Business
  5. The Letter
  6. Hail Lenny
  7. Raising Ukuleles
  8. Dream Of The Future
  9. Shopping Arizona
  10. Return To The Nursery
  11. Crash and Burn
  12. Blood Simple
  13. Chain Gang
  14. The March
  15. Monkey Chant
  16. The Shooting
  17. Blood Simpler

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