Plot: What’s it about?
After three civil right activists are declared missing, two FBI agents are dispatched to investigate the case and resolve the issue. The agents are Ward (Willem Dafoe) and Anderson (Gene Hackman) and the two couldn’t be much more different, which means their personal clashes could make the case more difficult than it already is. Ward is a well read, by the book kind of agent, but lacks the people skills needed in some situations, while Anderson is a smooth talker, but often roams outside the allowed methods of investigation. Anderson also has a lot of experience in law enforcement, having been a small town sheriff himself, while Ward is less experience, although still a competent field agent. But as different as Ward and Anderson are, they will need to put those issues aside, or else risk letting this case slip through their fingers. The town they visit is divided to an extreme, as a band of racist Klan members have come to a boiling point with the other residents, which could mean certain disaster. Can the two agents put the pieces together in time, or will the town explode with hatred and violence?
In these films that focus on racial issues, the messages can sometimes overpower the flick, which means it all comes as a heavy handed cinematic sermon of kind. So while the topics are worth looking over, a preachy film is not the path to take, but in this case, I think the correct road has been chosen. In Mississippi Burning, racial issues are explored in an unflinching fashion, but it never feels like a lecture, unlike so many others that tread on the same ground. This movie was based on real life events and that adds some impact to the story of course, even if the writing is sometimes thinner than it should be. Alan Parker supplies even handed direction and with his crew, creates an atmosphere that suits the material to perfection, impressive work indeed. Add in great performances from Gene Hackman, Willem Dafoe, Frances McDormand, Michael Rooker, and others, as well as Oscar winning cinematography and you’ve got a terrific film in all respects. This title was issued by Image Entertainment a ways back, but MGM’s new edition is better, with the same extras and a new anamorphic transfer, which makes this well worth the upgrade. I highly recommend this movie to all film fans and whether you own the old disc or not, this new version is the one to own.
I think the entire cast is excellent in Mississippi Burning, but the finest work comes from Gene Hackman, who as usual, turns in a stellar performance. I’ve come to expect great results whenever Hackman is in a film and since he always seems to deliver, I think there’s good reason for that. In this film, Hackman is given average material to work with, but manages to elevate his performance above it, which is impressive. I’d love to see what Hackman could have done with some excellent writing here, but even with a midlevel script, he really takes charge of the role. You can also see Hackman in such films as Superman: The Movie, The Conversation, The French Connection, The Firm, Hoosiers, Crimson Tide, The Replacements, Unforgiven, and The Poseidon Adventure. The cast also includes Willem Dafoe (Animal Factory, The Last Temptation of Christ), Brad Dourif (Senseless, Blue Velvet), Frances McDormand (Fargo, Almost Famous), Michael Rooker (Days of Thunder, The Replacement Killers), and R. Lee Ermey (Full Metal Jacket, Saving Silverman).
Video: How does it look?
Mississippi Burning is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. The previous disc was widescreen, but not 16X9 enhanced and as such, this is a welcome upgrade indeed. This is the best I’ve seen the film look on home video, but some small problems still surface to keep the score down. There is a little grain evident at most times, but not enough to lessen the visuals much, which means not much of a deduction. The film’s natural color scheme is well presented, very stable hues and normal, warm flesh tones also. I have no real complaints with contrast either, as detail is complex and black levels are well balanced at all times. I wasn’t let down by the previous disc’s transfer, but this new edition marks a solid improvement indeed.
Audio: How does it sound?
The included 2.0 surround is more than adequate, given the film’s audio presence and surround needs. The surrounds see some action, but not a whole lot, as this is a more conservative film in terms of audio dynamics. The elements all seem in order however, as the sound effects and music sound terrific and have no real flaws to discuss. The dialogue comes across is fine form also, as vocals are clean and crisp throughout, with no volume errors to report in the least. This disc also includes subtitles & language options in Spanish and French.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes the film’s theatrical trailer, as well as an audio commentary track with director Alan Parker. As always, Parker seems well prepared and fills the running time with comments of all kinds, very interesting and informative indeed. He talks about the film’s story, the real life events that inspired it, the music within the film, how the actors were chosen, and many other issues, all with minimal blank spaces to contend with.
