Bloody, slow-going thriller saved by an unpredictable plot, intriguing complications, and effective, atmospheric direction by Joel Coen. With most thrillers, the characters are far more trusting of each other than the audience is; oddly, for this film, the reverse is true, creating some novel situations -- and catering to a more intelligent audience. The cinematography is of particular note, not only credited to Barry Sonnenfeld, whose cinematic style has become famous, but influenced by the Coen brothers' surreal vision.