Laura (1944/Film Noir)
Picture: B- Sound: B- Extras: B+ Film: A
Otto Preminger’s classic
film Laura puts the word noir in
film noir. This is the quintessential
film that defines the genre and is a keystone factor that includes all the
necessary ingredients making it even more poignant with time. This is one of the few films that as watch
and learn more you feel you know less about the events in the film. Constantly forging ahead scene by scene, yet
at the same time taking steps backwards as we follow the hot trails of a
detective out to solve what seems to be a normal murder case. However, the dialogue thickens quicker than
the plot and whether you are seeing this film for the first or fiftieth time it
never fails to disappoint or charm. What
truly separates this film from the rest is that its so convincing that even
once you have seen the film you let yourself be swept away in repeat viewings
to the point that it seems fresh all over again. Hitchcock is one of the only other filmmakers who also had the
unique gift to do so at this high level caliber.
Yes, there are really
talented filmmakers who do have the ability to make memorable and downright
masterful films, very few possess the ability to capture your first-time
viewing experience each and every time you do view it, or for that matter make
the material seems fresh no matter how much time passes by.
This is a film that knows
precisely what it is doing down to every minute detail for its entire
duration. Treating the film like a full
course meal the active ingredients begin with razor sharp dialogue that make
this one of the tightest and wittiest scripts ever written for the big
screen. Getting down to the point of
the matter with each syllable, but at the same time keeping its distance from
ruining too much about its characters or the overall plot. We are given just enough information to lead
us on, yet not enough to make us fully aware of the incidents. We are to some degree as vulnerable as most
of its cast. Sometimes are we given
information that we cannot even decipher its relevance or whether it truly
matters or not. To some extent
everything is important making this film nearly impossible to describe without
ruining anything. The script is only
made more delicious by the impeccable cast delivering it.
Beginning with detective
McPhearson (Dana Andrews) right down through Gene Tierney as the infamous title
character Laura we also have one of my all time favorite characters in cinema
Waldo Lydecker played by the brilliant Clifton Webb. Vincent Price also stars as Shelby Carpenter a playboy who is
hard to figure out despite being one of the simpler characters or at least
pretending to be.
Fox has issued the
long-awaited noir classic as part of their new series of film noirs and this
film gets the prestigious honor of being number one in the series and
rightfully so. Fox made the wise
decision of bringing this film to DVD with all the well-deserved extras and
extra time spent in developing a truly remarkable DVD edition, which gives fans
a good transfer along with some bells and whistles.
Starting with the image
transfer Laura is presented in a
restored 1.33 x 1 full frame transfer keeping with the films intended original
aspect ratio and looking brighter and more brilliant than ever. There are some minor instances of dirt or
minor debris, which can be attributed to the films age. What I particular love about this transfer
is that it never attempts to over blow the restoration and clean the film up to
an unnatural pristine condition, usually this takes place and rids the film of
any grain or focus. Laura was meant to
have a nice rugged look with a full range of grayscale and grain to keep this
mystery oozing with style. That style
is fully enhanced by the camera work that using the full frame image captures
some edgy camera angles and high-contrast lighting. That lighting is defined quite well in this transfer keeping
shadows nice and dark, while concentrated light it never washed out. It would seem that Fox has done everything
in their capabilities to bring this film to as much life as possible.
Audio is equally important
as this film incorporates a stunning score to give the film its heartbeat
wrapped tightly by dialogue and certain sound effects alike. The listener can choose between the original
Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono audio option or a slightly more spread out 2.0 Stereo
option. Basically it’s a matter or
preference here, as some people prefer sound from middle channel in a 5.1
configuration while others might prefer using their left and right
speakers. Dialogue does seem to break
through a bit sharper when it’s in stereo mode, which is my preferred listening
option.
As mentioned Fox also
brought forth some extras to really seal the deal on this DVD including two
commentary tracks, an alternate opening for the film, two documentaries, a
deleted scene, and the theatrical trailer.
Breaking these items down further lets begin with the commentary tracks.
Commentary one is provided
by composer David Raksin and film professor Jeanine Basinger. I love the fact that a female film critic
approaches this film alongside someone involved highly in the films successful
elements. A female perspective lets us
unravel some of the underlying themes that are thrown throughout the film and
takes a hard look at what was happening during the 40’s and 50’s in filmmaking
as well as certain implied and un-implied meanings behind the body language and
dialogue in general.
Our second commentary
track is film historian and author Rudy Behlmer who also provides the optional
commentary for the deleted scene also found in the special features section of
the DVD. While one commentary would
have been enough, Fox went the extra few miles to deliver yet another nice gem
with a second commentary to tackle the films influence and placement among film
in general as this historian takes a different perspective from commentary
number one. The extended/alternative opening scene is interesting to check out
as well, but I think the film went with the better opening for its final cut.
These are the heart and soul of the extras, while the two documentaries serve
more as extra little goodies.
Those two goodies include
the A&E Biography on Vincent Price, which really takes a look at the
illustrious career that spanned over 50 years for Mr. Price. While he was well known for his dark
mysterious characters the biography takes a nice deep look at the man himself
and puts his career together in a tight little package worth unraveling. There is also a documentary for Gene Tierney
that examines her life, which more people are probably unfamiliar with than
Vincent Price. Both of these make for
great viewing!
Sometimes it becomes
difficult to find new things to say about a film like this, which has been discussed
to such varying lengths in the past, although more people are unfamiliar with
this film than other classics of its era.
However, with its availability on DVD, this will hopefully change and
perhaps make more people realize just how amazing filmmaking once was. There are seriously few films of its equal
when you factor together all the components.
While other films like Citizen
Kane are recognized for their immediate influences, it’s a film like Laura that really opens people’s eyes
for how clever, fun, witty, charming, and downright kick-ass a film can
be. Even with time this sucker has aged
to further perfection and will hopefully gain more clout with more viewers
seeing this sweet DVD delivered by Fox.
- Nate Goss
