Wanted to add that today’s panel discussion and screening of Blood Simple was one of the best attended—possibly the best attended—film events I’ve ever seen at the library. The panel discussion was rather fun (and I was only sort of joking when I said the Coens should remake The Seventh Seal) and no blood was shed, though the gauntlet was thrown down when both Marcianne and Peter expressed a dislike for Barton Fink. If we ever do a follow-up set of Coens, I have vowed to subject them to that title.

A word of advice—in my experience, attendance for these library series tends to increase with each film shown, so I’d suggest getting there a few minutes early to ensure a good seat.

I’ve never heard of these Coen Brothers.  They sound interesting.

I’ve never heard of these Coen Brothers.  They sound interesting.

Well, they’re kind of new, but keep your eye on them. I’m betting we’ll be hearing more from them—and I don’t mean a postcard.

I was happy to see that you think “O Brother” is a “great American film”.  I do but haven’t found that many other people who do.  They seem to think it’s too entertaining to be taken seriously.

I was happy to see that you think “O Brother” is a “great American film”.  I do but haven’t found that many other people who do.  They seem to think it’s too entertaining to be taken seriously.

Oh, dear, the art-as-nasty-medicine school of criticism, eh? I’ve never understood that and certainly never subscribed to it. Indeed, it’s a line of thought that makes me appreciate the “I-don’t-understand-it-so-it-must-be-art” school. At least that offers room for amusement.

Mr. Hanke, sir, I have lost all respect for your opinions. No longer will I look to you for any movie advice, ever.
How dare you denigrate the comedic genius of Raising Arizona with such a throw-away comment like so what?!?
If duels were legal, I’d challenge you.

[Please duly note the intended jest of above comment. Mostly.]

Well, I’ve been wondering when someone would take issue with this! All it took at the library was me mentioning that I’m not wild about Raising Arizona to provoke someone to yell out, “Traitor!” (I’ve yet to quite figure out the charge in this context, but it got a terrific laugh.)

If you really insist on a duel, we could always go with tiddly-winks—loser has to sit through The House Bunny...twice.

I’m with you, Ken...not a fan of “Raising Arizona” either.  Let me know if you need a second for the duel.

loser has to sit through The House Bunny...twice.
I’ll see your House Bunny (not literally, God no), and raise you two screenings of Disaster Movie.

Honestly, I’ve never met anyone who didn’t at least like Raising Arizona. Old people, pffft.

Let me know if you need a second for the duel.

I may take you up on that. At the very least, you can hold my coat and call the ambulance.

I’ll see your House Bunny (not literally, God no), and raise you two screenings of Disaster Movie.

The sad part is that I actually will see these things, though two screenings seems unlikely to an extreme degree.

Honestly, I’ve never met anyone who didn’t at least like Raising Arizona.

I’ve known a few, but we’re a rare breed, it’s true.

Old people, pffft.

Mind what you say or I’ll give you a thump with my cane.

The sad part is that I actually will see these things

I’ll believe it when I see it. Or not see it, I guess. Whatever makes more sense in this instance.

I’ll believe it when I see it. Or not see it, I guess. Whatever makes more sense in this instance.

Hey, I promised that I would sit through those two films. You have no faith.

You don’t mention another Coen “classic”—Fargo.

Yes, it’s mentioned, just not in depth.