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BUFFALO SOLDIERS
Review by Gordon Justesen
Stars:
Joaquin Phoenix, Ed Harris, Scott Glenn, Anna Paquin, Gabriel Mann, Leon
Robinson, Dean Stockwell, Elizabeth McGovern
Director: Gregor Jordan
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Surround
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
Studio: Miramax
Features: See Review
Length: 99 Minutes
Release Date: January 13, 2004
“Three
things I love about Germany: my Mercedes-Benz, no speed limit on the Autobahn,
and a black market for anything I can get my hands on.”
Film
***1/2
Rarely has there
been such a noteworthy film that has had the most unfortunate case of being
ready for release at the wrong time. Actually, make that wrong TIMES. Buffalo
Soldiers, a military comedy that very much represents the same level of dark
humor that made films such as MASH and
Three Kings so unique and masterful, endured such a dilemma ever
since it first premiered back at the 2001 Toronto Film Festival, which happened
to be three days prior to 9/11. From that point on, I think it’s safe to
assume that Miramax was conscious-heavy about releasing such a film, especially
in the waking period of the war with Iraq.
The film finally
got a limited release late last summer after having its release delayed a couple
of times. Now that it has hit DVD, everybody can finally see it for what it is.
This is a fast, funny and occasionally intense account of soldiers who aren’t
exactly trying to “be all that they can be”. The story centers in on an army
unit stationed in West Germany in 1989, a setting which issues one major benefit
for the film should anyone feel the need to label it controversial.
These troops are
only fighting a war with one exact enemy; that of pure boredom. The Cold War is
of course winding down at this point, and the historic day when the Berlin Wall
will crumble isn’t too far away. It goes without saying that these enlisters
need something to past the time, no matter how far and how criminal their
maneuvers are.
Ray Elwood (Joaquin
Phoenix) is a company clerk who serves as a part time pusher man for anything he
can get his hands on and sell to anyone interested. He is only in uniform
because he was given a choice by a judge after being busted for grand theft
auto; either serve a year working for Uncle Sam, or spend six months in jail. He
may want to leave his criminal past behind, but when you’ve got no war going
on and nothing to do, what can you do? Even though he and the others in his unit
are trained to be honorary defenders of their country, they are in a climate
that forces them to do nothing except find distractions.
Elwood is quite the
slick mover and shaker, as he is able to keep the commander of the base, Col.
Berman (Ed Harris), completely wrapped around his finger. To illustrate how well
he has the Colonel wrapped, Elwood is able to convince him that a fellow soldier
in the unit died honorably, when in fact he was killed in during a game of
indoor football. The soldier also happened to be a junkie, something that
won’t be included in the letter Elwood has personally written to the
soldier’s parents.
Engaging in secret
dealings of all kinds of products to Mop & Glo to that of pure heroin, which
is sold within the base if you can believe that, Elwood has quite a lot going
for him. However, his fun is soon put to crucial halt upon the arrival of the
new company top sergeant, Robert Lee (Scott Glenn), who is the kind no one in
their right mind should ever screw with. Of course, Elwood can’t resist the
urge to do so, especially when he catches a glimpse of Lee’s free-spirited
daughter (Anna Paquin).
To be truthfully
honest, I’m almost embarrassed why I got such a big kick out of this movie.
There’s one scene early in the film where the crew of a tank, stoned out of
their minds, begin training maneuvers. Not only do they manage to steer the tank
away from the training field, but they do nothing short of virtually destroying
a nearby village, squashing a beetle car, all before causing a gas station
explosion, causing the death of two observing soldiers. I’ve watched the movie
about three times and laughed loudly at the scene on each viewing, and doing so
while feeling slightly uncomfortable. I suppose this sort of effect was
intended.
The film’s climax
provides an unexpected switch of gears. As a drug deal among the soldiers leads
to exchange of gunfire between the soldiers and military police, Lee issues a
brutal personal war against Elwood. It ends with a pivotal sequence, as a
character makes a risky move, one that resembles a fearful dream he has
throughout the movie. It’s a strong and superb finish, highlighted by an
incredible music score by David Holmes.
To sum it up, Buffalo
Soldiers is by no means a patriotic film, but it is quite a bold and
original piece. The top cast of actors are full game. Joaquin Phoenix has never
been more engaging and witty. While the idea of the movie may strike some the
wrong way, there’s no denying the endless wit and sting it delivers. Films
that can be both funny and intense are hard to come by, which makes this all the
more inventive.
Video
****
Miramax delivers a
most outstanding and all together crisply sharp anamorphic presentation. The
film has a good deal of individual scenes, with shots that have a marvelous
visual impact, something that was mostly well handled in the transfer. Colors
all appear natural as can be, with no visual distortions to account for on
record.
Audio
***1/2
The 5.1 mix
provided delivers exceedingly well. Upon first watching the movie, I had no idea
what I was in for in terms of what would make for a strong playback, which was
the case in many scenes such as the eye-catching opening of the movie, the
hilarious tank sequence, and the big climax which definitely provides a good
case of boom. Dialogue is heard perfectly, and the music score by David Holmes
is given strong attention.
Features
***
Though it may not
seem like much, I was mostly pleased how Miramax handled the extras. Included is
a commentary track with director Gregor Jordan, a brief featurette titled
“Beyond the Iron Curtain”, and the always intriguing “Anatomy of a
Scene” segment. Lastly, there are bonus trailers including ones for Open
Range and My Boss’s Daughter.
Summary: