The
Lizzie Borden Chronicles (2015/Sony DVD Set)
Picture:
B- Sound: B- Extras: C Episodes: C+
Christina
Ricci, in my opinion, is one of Hollywood's most underrated
actresses. She has a wide range and a sharp precision with her
performances that is very apparent here in The Lizzie Borden
Chronicles (2015), an eight episode Lifetime miniseries that is
nicely produced and set in the late 1800's.
It's
a pity that Tim Burton didn't have something to do with this, as I
feel with his style this could have become a more richly textured
piece. However, this fast paced series will keep your interest and
features great co-stars in Cole Hauser (Pitch Black) and Clea
DuVall (Girl Interrupted).
In
1893, four months after Lizzie Borden's (Ricci) acquittal for the
murders of her father and stepmother, she and her sister Emma
(DuVall) try to start a new life despite financial troubles and
Lizzie's ruined reputation. Meanwhile, Pinkerton detective Charlie
Siring (Hauser) arrives in Fall River to investigate the case for
himself.
Episodes
include Acts of Borden, Patron of the Arts, Flowers, Welcome to
Maplecroft, Cold Storage, Fugitive Kind, The Sisters Grimke, and
Capsize.
What
holds the piece back are some of the stylistic choices. While not
terribly shot, many of the murder scenes go in and out of focus with
speed ramps that aim to intensify the carnage. However, the music
used in these sequences (a twangy, kind of True Blood-esque
melody) doesn't fit the time period or make the piece feel more edgy
but slightly dated.
Presented
in standard definition with an anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio of
1.78:1 with a lossy English 5.1 Dolby Digital audio track, the show
looks and sounds fine on DVD but could certainly benefit to a high
def upgrade. Extras include Deleted Scenes and a Gag Reel.
While
not a complete waste, The Lizzie Borden Chronicles features a
good performance by Christina Ricci, decent production design, and a
few good kills. However, some of its stylistic choices could have
been made more intelligently by a more refined director.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
