A concept that virtually all of us have fantasized about at one point in time or another is brought to reality in a harrowing way with the 1998 thriller “A Simple Plan.”
Based on the 1993 Scott B. Smith novel, “A Simple Plan” will leave you fidgeting with unease and tension as the story and stress continue to mount, beginning right from the movies open. The performances are so gripping that in the end, you’ll feel as though you were a tangible part of the plan yourself.
Taking place in a rural town in Minnesota during the bitter Midwestern winter, “A Simple Plan” uses the elements to aid in the story in a way similar to the Coen Brothers classic “Fargo.” You’ll find yourself reaching for a blanket as the characters trudge through piles and piles of ravenous snow.
Brothers Hank and Jacob Mitchell, along with friend Lou, discover a crashed plane in the middle of a wildlife refuge far from the main roads of town. Inside the plane they discover a bag with over 4 million dollars in cash.
The seemingly flawless fantasy quickly turns to a macabre Twilight Zone-esque journey as dour happenings unfold as a result of the discovery.
Bill Paxton, who in 1998 was coming off his supporting role in the blockbuster “Titanic” delivers a flat out perfect portrayal as Hank Mitchell, the elder brother and defacto leader of the trio.
Hank is a typical working class commoner, married to Sarah (Bridget Fonda) and about to become a father.
The character of Hank arguably needs the money the most of the three, yet is the only one with level headed actions and a subdued internal desire to do the right thing from the moment the stash is uncovered.
Billy Bob Thornton is Hanks slow witted brother Jacob; out of work, unhappy, and a lifelong virgin who has never even kissed a woman. Jacob longs for a normal life, the discovery of the immense fortune seemingly being the only way this mentally off bumpkin will ever find serenity.
Brent Briscoe is probably the only actor that could step into the role of drunken friend Lou and come across as more ideal than anything author Scott B. Smith could have envisioned. Briscoe is the epitome of a guy you’d find sitting at the edge of a bar in a small town like this, slurping cans of cheap beer and challenging those who dare enter who to a round or two of pool.
Likewise, Chelcie Ross plays the role of Sheriff Carl Jenkins – perfect for a small town constable. If you closed your eyes and thought of a lawman for a rural Minnesota community, an image of Ross would doubtless pop up.
Gary Cole of “Office Space” fame makes a short but excellent appearance as well.
What makes “A Simple Plan” work, in addition to the cast, is the undeniable anxiety that comes about as a result of the discovery. Director Sam Raimi takes what should be a seemingly happy occasion and sours it perfectly with fear.
Paxton and company bring to life exactly what that fear is; repercussions courtesy of the police and potentially from the unknown criminals behind the theft in the first place.
More tension is delivered between Hank and Sarah as they prepare for the birth of their first child and argue over the obvious advantages they would have if they kept the money.
In one argument, Sarah lets Hank know exactly where he stands in their seemingly perfect relationship. It will make you rethink all forms of dating.
“A Simple Plan” is well a well written tale wrought with irony and suspense.
Your heart will race, your palms will sweat, your levels of anxiety will go high – and you won’t even get a dollar of the money.
by – Matt Christopher
