In the Mood For Love
(Criterion DVD)
Picture: B+ Sound: B- Extras: A Film: B+
In the mood for a good
movie? When married (and lonely)
neighbors Tony Leung Chiu-Wai and Maggie Cheung slowly discovers that their
respective mates are having an affair, they turn to each other for friendship,
dinner and their own budding love. Set
in Hong Kong in the early 1960s, writer-director Wong Kar-Wai's tale is
ultimately a study in restraint. And not just in terms of the plot. Beautifully shot, the director makes up for
the film's slim story with rich hues and clever cinematography, making viewers
feel as if we're intruding on the couple's too-limited private time.
We never see the couples’
spouses and are only interrupted by the achingly beautiful score from time to
time. This film surely captures the soul
and holds you motionless throughout.
There are few films on the market today that have this
ability. While some may find the film to be dull at times, others will be
enriched by its ability to investigate the lives of these people without
seeming to pry. We watch and we know
what is happening, but even in repeat viewings we experience the story all over
again.
This is a gorgeous film
and the picture looks amazing! Colors
are superb and truly demonstrate the design and costume of the piece. The film is presented in its original aspect
ratio of 1.66:1 and is anamorphically enhanced.
The look of this film is so unique and beautiful. Darker scenes tend to be a tad soft, but
other than that the film looks good.
There is a slight haziness that is present, but this was done more on
purpose to give an older look since the film takes place in the 60’s. The film was shot with Arriflex Cameras (535
and BL 4) and also used Zeiss lenses as the prime lens. The Arriflex 535 has been used on numerous
pictures such as Kubrick’s Eyes Wide
Shut or Run Lola Run.
Sound is also extremely
pleasing with a Dolby Stereo and 5.0 mix.
Most of the film uses the three front speakers and allows the surrounds
to pick up on echoing sounds and the soundtrack. There is an isolated soundtrack on the disc
as well as an essay on the music that allows you to jump to the scene where the
music is heard.
Although I would have
loved to hear a commentary track for the film there are many supplements that
make up for that. We have interviews
with Kar-Wai as well as cast and a documentary about the film. There is also a great short film made up of
stock footage from Kar-Wai that is quite interesting as well.
In the Mood For Love is Kar-Wai’s best film and most recognizable at
this point. His other more popular film Chungking Express is available on DVD
through Miramax, which contains a load of extras as well.
- Nate Goss
