AFS Cinema devotes a week to the Coen Brothers’ first three films for a petite sampler of their range: a wackadoo comedy, period gangster film, and sweaty neo-noir filmed right here in Austin. Their debut feature, 1984’s Blood Simple, is where it all began: in a sad, grubby Texas bar where a PI is hired to confirm the bartender is having an affair with the boss’ wife. The Coens’ proclivities were evident from the start: the grim humor, love of noir, and a leading lady (Frances McDormand) who would become Oscar-winning-iconic for Fargo a decade and change later. – Kimberley Jones
