The Walker (2006/Image/THINKFilm DVD)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C-     Film: C

 

 

Paul Schrader has been accused of his work being fascist, homophobic, racist, ignorant, sexist and more.  Though it may not have been made to counter some of those accusations, his little-seen 2006 political thriller The Walker has Woody Harrelson as a gay man who knows the ins and outs of Washington, D.C., including its gay scene.  This and more are challenged when the husband of one of his friends turns up dead and he may be framed for it.

 

The impressive cast also features Lauren Bacall, Lily Tomlin, Kristin Scott Thomas, Willem Dafoe, Mary Beth Hurt and Ned Beatty.  Unfortunately, none of them are on screen enough, some of the scenes are laughable, especially when race or sexuality is involved and the film relies too much on Harrelson to carry the film.  He could, of course, except that he is never totally believable as a gay man and as directed by Schrader, you never believe for a moment the gay underworld connection angles or anything gay.  This would not have worked in the 1970s and with all the mainstream gay media, looks even more dated, stale and unbelievable.  The mystery is also lame and tired, but it is a major production with major talent.  It just never works.

 

The anamorphically enhanced 2.35 X 1 image is on the soft side, stylized or not, but is consistent in the hands of Director of Photography Chris Seager, B.S.C., who is trying to make this Washington D.C. look different to distinguish the film.  This has mixed results.  The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix features well-recorded dialogue, benefiting the actors the most, but is not a mix with a good use of soundfield even if you think in terms of ambience.  A Blu-ray would make for an interesting comparison.  Extras include a making of featurette and trailers for this and a few other THINKFilm releases.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo