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IN AMERICA
Review by Gordon Justesen
Stars:
Samantha Morton, Paddy Considine, Djimon Hounsou, Sarah Bolger, Emma Bolger
Director: Jim Sheridan
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Surround, Spanish Dolby Surround
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1, Full Screen 1.33:1
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Features: See Review
Length: 105 Minutes
Release Date: May 11, 2004
"Do
you love her?"
"No…I’m
in love with you. And I’m in love with your beautiful woman. I’m in love
with your children. I even love your anger…I’M IN LOVE WITH EVERYTHING THAT
LIVES!"
Film
****
There’s a pure
distinction between watching a movie and experiencing one. Jim Sheridan’s much
personal In America represents the
latter form to the fullest. It’s one of those rare cases where watching it is
to become engrossed in its every frame and moment. It’s a film of undeniable
richness and raw emotional power that cannot be shaken and therefore must not be
forgotten. In addition to The Last Samurai,
this is by far the most emotionally involving cinematic experience I’ve had in
recent memory.
The story, based
entirely on Sheridan’s own personal experience, details the immigration of an
Irish family from their home in Dublin to America in the early 1980s. Johnny
(Paddy Considine) and Sarah (Samantha Morton) and their two daughters, Christy
and Ariel (played by real life Irish twins Sarah and Emma Bolger) are
discovering the sights and sounds of New York City for the first time. The
family is in search of two specific things in their move; a change for the
better as promised by the land of the free and personal peace following the
tragic accidental death of their only son, Frankie.
The family’s
arrival in America doesn’t come without a price, of course. The only shelter
they can manage happens to be in a ghetto at Hell’s Kitchen. The apartment
building alone happens to house many addicts. Johnny, still in denial about the
fact he’s gotten over the loss of his son, struggles through numerous
auditions in hopes of making it as an actor, while Sarah soon finds work at a
nearby ice cream parlor. The daughters experience a huge kind of change in the
form of attending the local elementary school.
One night, while
engaging in first time trick or treating, the girls knock on the door of Mateo (Djimon
Hounsou), whom Christy refers to in her narration as “The Man Who Screams”.
Mateo, who is feared at first glance by the young girls turns out to be no less
than a joyful and friendly soul. The man is indeed angry for some reason, as his
roar of outrage can be heard throughout the building, but one glance at these
two curious angelic faces, and he has become understandably uplifted.
What is to be
appreciated about In America, aside
from the fact that it is a deeply personal story, is the level of authenticity
and reality that is reflected in film’s every frame. Scenes such as when
Johnny struggles to have an air conditioner installed just so that the
family’s living space can have cool air during the blazing hot summer. Another
such scene is where Johnny, having just taken the family to see E.T., engages in a street carnival game to win an E.T. doll for
Ariel. In the process, he ends up going through half of the month’s rent to do
so.
The performances
are all around outstanding. Paddy Consdine, who I’ve never seen before, makes
a strong impression in his portrayal of the soul-crushed Johnny. Samantha
Morton, who earned an Oscar nod for her performance, demonstrates the sheer
power that was first illustrated by her turn in Minority
Report. Fellow Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou delivers a shattering powerhouse
performance that is sure to be remembered years down the road, as he makes Mateo
into the all around soul of the film. And let’s not forget the charming and
irresistible Bolger sisters, both of whom go way beyond the standard child star
level.
In terms of pure
cinematic drama, In America is a
milestone triumph.
BONUS: Sheridan
wrote the Oscar nominated screenplay with his two daughters, Naomi and Kirsten.
The character of Frankie is based on Sheridan’s real life brother of the same
name, who died at age 10.
Video
***1/2
Fox delivers a most
impressive anamorphic transfer. The film has about an equal share of both light
and darkly lit scenes, both of which turn up quite well with very little hints
of visual distraction. The level of detail is high throughout the presentation,
and colors are strongly displayed. It’s actually a two-sided disc, which is
something of a downer, with the full screen version on one side and the
anamorphic version on the reverse. In other words, flip it before you play it.
Audio
***
The 5.1 mix
supplied does a superb job in the areas required. Since this is mostly a film
driven by words and story, there isn’t much room here for strong surround
sound power. However, the dialogue is delivered as clear as can be, and
occasional music playback, including tracks such as Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Do
You Believe in Magic” and The Byrds’ “Turn, Turn, Turn” provide nice
sound delivery as well.
Features
***
Included is a
commentary track with Jim Sheridan, 9 deleted scenes, a making of featurette,
and an alternate ending. Since the disc is a flipper, you’ll have to flip the
disc in order to access all the features.
Summary: