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One False Move: The Criterion Collection
[Blu-ray 4K]
Blu-ray ALL - America - Criterion Collection Review written by and copyright: Noor Razzak (16th December 2023). |
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The Film
 "One False Move" is a captivating crime thriller that masterfully weaves together elements of suspense, drama, and character complexity. Directed by Carl Franklin, the film stands out as a hidden gem in the genre, offering a fresh perspective on the classic tale of criminals on the run. The narrative unfolds with a carefully crafted plot that centers around a trio of criminals led by the enigmatic Ray Malcolm (Billy Bob Thornton, who also co-wrote the script), Fantasia (Cynda Williams), and Pluto (Michael Beach) are on the lam after committing a series of brutal crimes. The film takes an unexpected turn as it shifts from the high-stakes tension of the criminal pursuit to a small Southern town where the protagonists find themselves in an unexpected confrontation with local law enforcement. One of the film's strengths lies in its character development, providing depth to each individual within the narrative. Billy Bob Thornton delivers a standout performance as the complex and morally ambiguous Ray Malcolm, bringing a level of nuance to the character that adds layers to the overall story. Likewise, the supporting cast, including Cynda Williams and Bill Paxton, contributes to the film's success by delivering authentic and emotionally charged performances. The cinematography of "One False Move" by James L. Carter is another notable aspect that enhances the overall viewing experience. The film skillfully utilizes its Southern setting to create a palpable atmosphere, with sweeping shots of the landscape and intimate scenes that draw the audience into the characters' lives. The use of light and shadow is particularly effective in conveying the mood, reinforcing a gritty realism. In terms of pacing, the film strikes a delicate balance between intense action sequences and moments of quiet introspection. The director's ability to maintain a sense of tension throughout without sacrificing the emotional depth of the characters is commendable. The result is a film that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. "One False Move" is not merely a conventional crime thriller; it transcends the genre by delving into the psychological and moral dimensions of its characters. The film explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of one's actions. This adds a layer of substance that elevates it above many others in its category. While "One False Move" may not have achieved widespread recognition upon its initial release, it remains a cinematic achievement worthy of exploration. Its combination of a gripping narrative, strong performances, and thematic depth makes it a standout example of the crime thriller genre. The film's ability to surprise and resonate with its audience is a testament to its enduring appeal, solidifying its place as a noteworthy contribution to the world of cinema.
Video
Criterion has delivered a new transfer approved by the film's director, this new 4K master presents the films in its original theatrical ratio of 1.85:1 in 2160p 24/fps HEVC compression and includes HDR10 and Dolby Vision enhancement. The resulting image is pretty much perfect, managing to capture the beautiful cinematography balancing the shadows and light brilliantly. The film's grain is untouched, the detail is sharp, skin tones look natural, blacks are deep and presented without noise, and the overall image is clean of any imperfections. It's another masterfully presented transfer from Criterion and makes a welcomed addition to the 4K catalog.
Audio
A single English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo audio track is included and presents the film's original audio mix, I love that Criterion preserves the way films are made giving purists a clean and well balanced audio track to match the impressive picture. Dialogue is clear, the score is well integrated, but does lack the depth that more modern tracks have, obviously limited by the stereo format. While it's a decent track, I kept wondering how much better this could have been in 5.1 surround. optional subtitles are included in English for the hearing impaired only.
Extras
The Criterion Collection has given this film a decent release with supplements that include an audio commentary, a new interview, a theatrical trailer, and a booklet. Below is a closer look at these extras. DISC ONE: 4K UHD This disc features the film in 4K, and is accompanied by a feature-length audio commentary with director Carl Franklin, recorded in 1998 for the older Sony DVD release, Franklin offers up a decently technical tack that takes you through the casting process, his vision for the film, the challenges of dealing with a low budget among other things. It's a solid track worth listening to. DISC TWO: BLU-RAY This disc includes the film in standard HD and also includes the same audio commentary with director Carl Franklin as seen on the previous disc. Additionally we also have a new 2023 interview with director Carl Franklin and actor/co-writer Billy Bob Thornton (27:27), produced by Criterion this new discussion delves into how the project came about, on the shooting process, and on working with the cast among other things. The film's original theatrical trailer (1:28) is included. The package comes with a booklet featuring an essay by author William Boyle, Boyle is a crime writer and offers his perspective on this film.
Overall
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