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In The Electric Mist
[Blu-ray]
Blu-ray A - America - Image Entertainment Review written by and copyright: Anthony Arrigo (18th February 2009). |
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The Film
 I’m always thrown off a bit when I see a film that’s given a direct-to-video release, yet features a noteworthy cast of seasoned actors. I wonder if maybe the story was weak, but enough money was thrown at the principles to make them forget that important factor; or perhaps the film had a good, strong script but the producers just weren’t able to secure a theatrical release. Whatever the case may be, "In the Electric Mist" does have a notable cast of actors but it never truly feels like a film that should have gone theatrical. Had there been a stronger supporting cast, or a less convoluted storyline, then this could have been something more special. As it stands now, it’s a perfectly serviceable vehicle for some great (if not inconsistent) acting and wonderful locations. Based on James Lee Burke's novel "In the Electric Mist with Confederate Dead" (a superior title), Tommy Lee Jones stars as Dave Robicheaux, a small-town sheriff and recovering alcoholic who finds himself caught up in two murder investigations. One involves the brutal death of a local stripper; the other a decades-old murder of a black man he witnessed as a teenager in the swamps. Somehow, both murders are related and Dave suspects that the answers lay with local small-time kingpin Julie “Baby Feet” Balboni (John Goodman, chewing scenery). Along his journey, Dave has hallucinations of General John Bell Hood (Levon Helm) of the Confederate Army who attempts to provide some context for him to make sense of why these two murders are interrelated. As stated earlier, this film has a fantastic core cast, led by Tommy Lee Jones. Jones is his usual self here, albeit with a Louisiana accent, and he provides a simple, nuanced performance that carries the film well. However, I think the real standout here is John Goodman as Baby Feet. Goodman seems to be having a great time with his role, and he does a great job aside from the fact that he seems to be sporting 3 (!) different accents (New York, Louisiana, and his regular voice) at any given time. Ned Beatty is criminally underused as local tycoon Twinky LeMoyne, as is Mary Steenburgen as Dave’s sympathetic wife. I think the only lead actor that I really didn’t like was Peter Sarsgaard as local resident, and big-time movie star, Elrod Sykes. He played a hopeless drunk who was more annoying than pitiful, but I understand the reason he’s here is because Dave feels he has to help him overcome his alcoholism as he did himself. All of this star power should make for a great film, and it does, but the supporting cast is where the film falters. Maybe I’m not too familiar with Cajun accents, but no one in the supporting cast seems to know what one sounds like. Everyone seems to alternate between using a Cajun accent and their own voice, which can be a little jarring. I don’t know why the filmmakers didn’t choose to utilize more local actors, as I’m sure they wouldn’t have much problem adding an extra dose of authenticity. The film does benefit from the use of stunning location shots in Louisiana. All areas of the state are on display, from the gothic, misty banks of the deep swamps to small town storefronts and city lights, the film is a postcard welcoming you to visit. Likewise, legendary blues man Buddy Guy provides some tunes for the film’s soundtrack. Guy plays a mean guitar, and looks like a long-lost brother of Scatman Crothers, but acting definitely isn’t his strong suit. Marco Beltrami provides the film’s score, and it’s a rich, Blues-inspired track that fits the film quite well. Interesting to note is that "In the Electric Mist" has sat on the shelf for almost 2 years now. According to a review posted by Variety, troubled production left the film in limbo, and a producer’s cut (the one presented here) was assembled from a longer, 117 minute director’s cut. Though the director’s cut is said to be a little long in the tooth, I would have preferred to see the original vision of director Bertrand Tavernier (making his U.S. debut here) rather than that of the film’s producers. While the longer cut is being screened internationally, Image has decided to forego any theatrical release stateside and chose to drop the film into the DTV wasteland.
Video
"In the Electric Mist" hits Blu-ray with a 1080p 24/fps AVC MPEG-4 encoded disc, presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The transfer is perfectly suitable and doesn’t have many shortcomings. It’s not a particularly impressive title to show off, as it only looks better than standard definition thanks to the improved sharpness and clarity offered by Blu-ray. The image doesn’t ever appear three-dimensional, nor does it have that “pop” that videophiles yearn for, but colors are well-defined and every crag on Tommy Lee Jones’ face is clear as day. Black levels hold up strong during nighttime scenes, and nothing looked blown-out during daytime shots.
Audio
We are presented with an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks, along with English for the hearing impaired and Spanish subtitles. Aside from some Southern-fried Cajun tunes, this is a fairly subtle track that is mostly dialogue driven. Surrounds aren’t given much use, but everything sounds clear and crisp, as it should.
Extras
We are given nothing aside from the film’s theatrical trailer, which runs for 1 minute and 45 seconds. It is presented in 1080p. Given the film’s troubled production, it’s no wonder the package is less-than-impressive.
Overall
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