1994's Shallow Grave was often viewed as Britain's answer to Pulp Fiction (also 1994), and it was a significant hit in the United Kingdom. Grave's energetic visual style and humorous treatment of the crime-thriller genre is certainly reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino's work, but the movie actually has more in common with the stylistic gymnastics of Coen brothers films: Blood Simple (1984) is an obvious comparison. It did moderately well on the U.S. art house circuit, paving the way for the greater success two years later of the exhilarating Trainspotting, from the same team of director Danny Boyle, producer Andrew Macdonald, and screenwriter John Hodge. Though relegated to a supporting role in Grave, Ewan McGregor since became one of the most popular Scottish actors of his generation.