Scott Kimball
Screenwriter
- Joined
- May 8, 2000
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The Wool Cap
Studio: Paramount
Year: 2004
Rated: PG-13
Length: 90 Minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Audio: Dolby Digital English 5.1
Special Features: None
SRP: $14.99 USD
Release Date: June 14, 2005
William H. Macy is one of the most underrated actors working today - and he proves that in The Wool Cap. Macy stars as Gigot, the gruff, mute superintendent of a broken-down urban apartment building. He gives a truly compelling performance without ever speaking a word.
When he unwittingly becomes the guardian of a street-smart 12 year old girl, Lou (Keke Palmer), whose mother has disappeared in a drug induced walkabout, he learns more about himself and the power of love and forgiveness than he ever learned before.
Shades of Paper Moon, the film (co-written by Macy) is based on the story “Gigot” by Jackie Gleason. The film was made for cable, appearing on TNT as a Johnson & Johnson Spotlight Presentation.
Despite a few overly saccharine moments, this is a powerful film. It will induce both tears and laughter as it delivers its message about the resilience of the human spirit.
Aside from Macy’s excellent performance, you’ll take note of the young Palmer’s impressive performance as well. Don Rickles provides some nice color as a resident in Gigot’s building. The cast is well rounded out with the likes of Ned Beatty and Catherine O’Hara.
An excellent little film. See it.
The Transfer
The Wool Cap is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, and it is anamorphically enhanced. The image is impressively detailed, presenting a very good level of sharpness while exhibiting only minor, occasional edge enhancement artifacts.
The picture boasts excellent contrast, delivering strong black levels while maintaining detail in the shadows. Whites are bright without blowing out. Colors are nicely saturated.
The occasional appearances of mild haloing or mosquito noise are very mild and really not an issue.
I’m impressed by the quality of this made-for-cable film.
The sound is presented in Dolby Digital, in 5.1 channels. The track features excellent frequency response, offering solid bass and clear highs. There is good use of panning across the front soundstage, and adequate use of the rear channels when surrounds are called for.
Special Features
None
Final Thoughts
I was really impressed with the story, and blown away by the performances in this little film. A few overly saccharine moments in the presentation aren’t enough to dispel my admiration for this film. Though there are no extras, Paramount delivers a solid transfer of this made-for-tv gem.
Recommended.
