Interesting homage to Woody Allen.
And they’d be incorrect, as it’s pure Allen, and one of his finest films over the past twenty years or so.
A romanic thriller with a cast not terribly known to domestic audiences, a jazz score, meticulously photographed by the great Vittorio Storaro in hues reminiscent of silent era tints, and typically Allenesque dialogue that occasionally moves faster than the sub-titles can keep up.
A storyline, with nods to Brief Encounter, Indiscreet and others, that seems to turn on a dime from innocent meet and greet to dangerous interlude to dark thriller.
One of the interesting things here is that it’s being released via MPI, a definite indie, as one must presume that majors are fearful of retribution. And if that’s the case, it’s more than a pity, as Mr. Allen is one of the top filmmakers of the generation.
As noted, color may have some scratching heir heads or wondering if it’s been restored by an entity known for bold yellow skies, but that’s not the case. These are Mr. Storaro’s colors.
They’re seldom without a tint, ranging from lovely warm exteriors to the extreme, cold interiors to the extreme. It’s quite a ride, and try to keep track as you might with the silent cinema. Let’s see… day, night, candle-lit…
Absolutely worth your time, as long as you either speak French or are quick reader.
Interestingly, 2.00:1 was selected as aspect ratio for the digitally shot film.
Image
Forensic – 10
NSD – 10
Audio – 10 ( DTS-HD MA 5.1)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors – Yes
Worth your attention – 9
Slipcover rating – n/a
Highly Recommended
RAH
Robert has been known in the film industry for his unmatched skill and passion in film preservation. Growing up around photography, his first home theater experience began at age ten with 16mm. Years later he was running 35 and 70mm at home.
His restoration projects have breathed new life into classic films like Lawrence of Arabia, Vertigo, My Fair Lady, Spartacus, and The Godfather series. Beyond his restoration work, he has also shared his expertise through publications, contributing to the academic discourse on film restoration. The Academy Film Archive houses the Robert A. Harris Collection, a testament to his significant contributions to film preservation.
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