Coming Through
Picture: C Sound: C
Extras: C Film: C+
In Coming Through (1985) a middle aged woman (Alison Steadman) goes to
Nottingham in order to study the work of author D.H.
Lawrence, but it is there that she meets another man that is obsessed with Lawrence and his work.
Enticed yet? Perhaps not, but for
those that stick through on this one might find yourself a little surprised.
Kenneth Branagh pops up in
some of the oddest places and until recently was always attached to very decent
productions no matter what their content or popularity. Of course at this point of his career he had
not embarked on his attempt to outdo Olivier with his Shakespearian roles. In this film the erotic sensibilities of the
writings of Lawrence shine through with conviction as Branagh plays the young
Lawrence during the flashback sequences and his relationship with his wife
(Helen Mirren).
Carlton/BFS has issued
this title in hopes to capitalize on the achievements of Branagh and the
growing familiarity of Helen Mirren outside of Britain. This is one of those tales that will probably
appeal more to those that are avid watchers of the Lifetime channel. The DVD contains a few extras such as the
Biography on Lawrence, selected excerpts, and a DVD-ROM feature allowing access
to Lady Chatterly’s Lover by
Lawrence. All in all a relatively decent
production, which is presented here in a full-frame ratio showing much age and
wear on the film. Grain is abundant as
is softness. Also fine detail is never
sharp and the overall transfer has a dated analog appearance. Even the monophonic sound design is harsh
from time to time and displays further traces of an analog source.
- Nate Goss
