Brush With Fate is not a film in any traditional scenes. Based on Susan Vreeland’s novel, “Girl In Hyacinth Blue” this is in reality an anthology of vignettes. The common thread in these stories is that a certain painting is passed down through 300 years. The stories are overly simple. Some of the locations in the Netherlands shot for this film offer the only redeeming quality to be found. Some of the vistas are breathtaking.
Audio
The Dolby Digital 2.0 track is simple. Some enchanting music offers the best use of the digital sound. Dialogue is extremely soft at times. It’s enough to lull one to sleep. Do not attempt to watch this film if you are tired.
Video
Brush With Fate is offered in a 1.33:1 ull frame format that is truly a crime to some of the wonderful vistas. Why photograph such powerful images only to crop them? Colors are often outstanding. Blacks are surprisingly deep and true. Flesh tones are near reference. There are some unfortunate times when the image is oversaturated with light. I assume it was done for effect.This might not be a very interesting film, but it is pretty to look at.
Special Features
All you will find are some text based bios and production notes.
Final Thoughts
This is a very slow film with a compelling visual nature. Even the extraordinary pictures will wear thin soon enough. Fans of Dutch Realism might find the film interesting. The rest of us have to ask the question: “Isn’t it enough that it is beautiful?”
