Plot: What’s it about?
Based on the novel by Philip Roth and set during the 1950’s, Indignation is a well-intentioned, but ultimately empty film. Marcus (Logan Lerman) is a working class Jewish student who moves away after graduating High School. His father owns a butcher shop where he works as well, but is ready to start a new chapter in his life. By all accounts, he’s a good son, but not all of his friends are the best influence. The film begins with Marcus attending a funeral of one of his baseball buddies. Marcus leaves New Jersey to attend college in Ohio where he rooms with 2 other Jewish students. Marcus puts his primary focus of college on studying and maintaining a job. He is able to find work in the campus library. It’s there that he meets the attractive Olivia (Sarah Gadon). Marcus eventually asks Olivia out to dinner and after dinner, Olivia services Marcus orally. I shouldn’t have to spell out more than that.
There’s a bit more to the story here as Marcus has some conflict with the school’s dean. There’s some controversy about Marcus failing to mention being Jewish in his application, among other things. Marcus encounters more trouble, too as he has to have his appendix removed. We then learn more about Marcus’s parents back home. His dad has started snapping at random customers on the phone, controlling his mother and business at the family butcher sharp isn’t looking too good. All this would be fine if I became more invested in these character’s journeys. I just couldn’t. I enjoyed seeing the 1950’s recreated here and there is a youthful element to the film, but it mostly plods along. I found very little to care about much of anything going on. It even veers into melodrama territory as well. The acting is fine across the board, but little else here did much for me.
Video: How’s it look?
We get a solid AVC encoded 1.85:1 transfer that presents the film accurately. The print is pristine and details strong throughout. Flesh tones appeared smooth and accurate as well. The film is set in a much simpler time, but things are presented as they should be. This transfer should satisfy fans of the film.
Audio: How’s it sound?
We get a DTS HD track that sounds about as expected. Vocals are clear and fine, but don’t expect too much action from this track. Not that this is that sort of film either. Still. It sounds as it should and that is enough in my book.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Timeless: Connecting the Past to the Present – This features interviews with the cast on the film’s themes and their resonance today.
- Perceptions: Bringing Philip Roth to the Screen – Is more a standard “Making of…” supplement that has some behind the scenes footage.
The Bottom Line
While it’s refreshing to see a film these days that’s neither a remake or a superhero film, there’s still not too much here to get excited over. I always enjoy seeing a film set during an earlier era, but the story isn’t terrible compelling. I suppose fans of the director or of the novel will get the most out of this film. All others are advised to skip it.
