Leaving Las Vegas (French Import) - High-Def Digest review

[jed]

Peter's review of the French HD DVD release of 'Leaving Las Vegas' is up. Although he's a fan of the film, he says its banal visual design and dated soundtrack just doesn't translate well to high-def. A total lack of extras drags the overall score down that much more. In short, this one's for hardcore fans of the film only.

Full review here:
http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/1062/...svegas_fr.html

[Grubert]

What is it about alcoholism -- or more accurately, charming alcoholics -- that Hollywood finds so endearing? From light-as-a-truffle affairs like 'Arthur,' to sentimental romantic weapies like 'When a Man Loves a Woman,' to outright camp like 'Valley of the Dolls,' Tinseltown always seems to find a way to turn a life lived at the bottom of a bottle look either like a mere comedic lark, or just another romantic plot device. The reality, of course, is far different -- for those who've been affected directly by alcoholism, there's little charm to the to disease, nor those afflicted with it.

That's a bit of a generalization. The two best films Hollywood ever made about alcoholism (The Lost Weekend and Days of Wine and Roses) did not glamorize it at all.

[Josh Z]

I don't think "banal visual design" is an appropriate characterization of the film. The movie is very visually oriented. It's just that it was shot on 16mm film and is kind of grubby by design.

Personally, I friggin' hate this movie. "Oh boo hoo hoo, I'm a drunk. Feel pity for me. Waaa waaa waaaa..." I just wanted the asshole to die.

[Roger Mathus]

This is a very powerful film that leaves a lasting impression. When it was first released I saw it in a theater that actually projected from a 16mm print. It did not fill the screen in the small art house theater. I am pleased with my copy of the import.

[Spideybat]

Originally Posted by Grubert

That's a bit of a generalization. The two best films Hollywood ever made about alcoholism (The Lost Weekend and Days of Wine and Roses) did not glamorize it at all.

Absolutely. I might add I'll Cry Tomorrow and Clean And Sober. I love this film, and at the time could identify with it. I was going through a rough period. The scene where he is trying to cash the check at the bank really hit home to me.

[haroof]

Very, VERY powerful film.

I just ordered this from HDSource. I kinda knew the review of the visuals wouldn't be great. You could see that from watching this in the theater. The movie just has that sorta grainy look to it or at least it did when I first saw it.

[Citizen Erased]

This movie should be a six star reviews! It's an amazing film. Almost painful to watch in some places but that's a testament to it's power.

I'm surprised at Peter and Josh's reactions as these are the first negative comments I've ever heard about this film. Every one I ever speak to loves it.

Also, I have to mention - fantastic soundtrack!

[Spideybat]

Keep in mind that the graininess was intentional. It was personally shot by Director Mike Figgis on a 16mm camera, the blown up. Citizen Erased, I couldn't agree more.

[Josh Z]

Originally Posted by Citizen Erased

I'm surprised at Peter and Josh's reactions as these are the first negative comments I've ever heard about this film. Every one I ever speak to loves it.

Having lived with a drunk for many years (mother's boyfriend), I have very little sympathy of the plight of the self-pitying alcoholic.

In cinematic terms, I found Cage's performance over-the-top and the storytelling more style over substance.

[Spideybat]

Originally Posted by Josh Z

Having lived with a drunk for many years (mother's boyfriend), I have very little sympathy of the plight of the self-pitying alcoholic.

So your letting personal observations in your past impair your objectivity? Did he set out to purposefully kill himself. There is a big difference.

[Josh Z]

Originally Posted by Spideybat

So your letting personal observations in your past impair your objectivity?

If you believe that film criticism is in any way "objective", you are sadly mistaken.

[Spideybat]

Originally Posted by Josh Z

If you believe that film criticism is in any way "objective", you are sadly mistaken.

Sadly not. You were apparently biased before you saw the movie. Your mother's boyfriend affected your objectivity. Again, did he (the boyfriend) set out to purposefully drink himself to death? Probably not. Again, there is a difference.

Posts like this are not pertinent to the film. Maybe your life, but not the film.

"Oh boo hoo hoo, I'm a drunk. Feel pity for me. Waaa waaa waaaa..." I just wanted the asshole to die.

[Citizen Erased]

Guy, guys, let's all chill out!

Let's just say that a) you don't have to sympathise with the character to agree that it's a powerful story and b) some subjectivity is always a part of any good film review.

How's that?

[Spideybat]

Originally Posted by Citizen Erased

Guy, guys, let's all chill out!

Let's just say that a) you don't have to sympathise with the character to agree that it's a powerful story and b) some subjectivity is always a part of any good film review.

How's that?

I believe Josh and I have a mutual respect. At least I hope so. On this we'll just have to agree to disagree. No biggie.

[padanx]

I think that both Bracke and Josh Z, should find another soap box. There's a whole universe of experience out there beside your own. Emotions rightfully run deep. To avoid animosity, just drop it.

I regreted from first logging onto the site, seeing that this film had been reviewed at all, especially on this site, considering the past review record of anything but the most pristine examples of hi-def fodder.

Any film of this nature will surely bring to mind visions of Quazimoto: "The grain...the GRAIN!"

That's all. Time for coffee.