Synopsis
Liam Neeson is a doctor who stumbles upon Jodie Foster, who has lived in the wildernesswithout ever coming into contact with the rest of the world. She speaks her own language, and isa society of one. Neeson wants to preserve Foster’s existence, but psychologist NatashaRichardson wants to study Foster, and believes that the world will encroach willy-nilly on thepoor woman. Though they are at loggerheads, Foster’s transformative power will bring themtogether.
True,…the film is not without a certain naive sentiment. On the other hand, it is alsointelligently crafted, and strikingly well performed by all concerned. The cinematography ispretty stunning too.
Audio
The sound is cirsp, but could do with some boosting. Given all the gorgeous scenery, andhow we are meant, at times, to be descending into the world primeval, a strong environmentaleffect would have been desirable. As things stand, there are forest sound effects given thesurround treatment, but they are rather too subdued to be entirely effective.
Video
The transfer captures the lushness of the cinematography very well. The vegetation is aluxuriant green. The colours are very warm, and the blacks are deep. The contrasts are terrific,and there are no real edge enhancement issues. No grain either.
Special Features
Jodie Foster and director Michael Apted each get their own commentary track. They tendto overlap each other somewhat, but both are intelligent speakers. Apted leans perhaps a bit moretoward the behind-the-scenes and technical side of things, while Foster concentrates a bit moreon character analysis. The featurette is the publicity piffle, and there’s the theatrical trailer. Themenu is basic.
Closing Thoughts
A handsome-looking release, that could do with sound that was up to the video. That said,this is still a very solid release.
Special Features List
- Director’s Commentary
- Jodie Foster Commentary
- Featurette
- Theatrical Trailer
