Plot: What’s it about?
This film tells the story of Abbie Hoffman (Vincent D’Onofrio), who was a spokesman of sorts for the hippies and others opposed to the fashion in which the government was run at that time. As the sex, drugs, and rock music of the 1960s swirled around this nation, Hoffman and his people were right in the middle of it all, trying to make some changes in the ways things worked. Hoffman was like a politician, but without the usual politics and a liberal amount of showmanship tossed in as well. He knew how to speak to put a fire under people and when he had his targets lined up, he would do almost anything to ensure his points were heard. There was a lot more to Hoffman than his political interests, but in Steal This Movie, the movements he helped create are the main focus. I admit, I don’t know a lot about Hoffman aside from general knowledge, but I still found this to be a very entertaining motion picture.
As I said above, I know little about Hoffman aside from the basic facts, but that didn’t prevent me from liking this film. So even if you’re blank as far as Hoffman, don’t dismiss this flick, as it is still worth a look. I do wish the film went beyond the political arena a little more, but I suppose to preserve this storyline, that just wasn’t possible here. And since this is a film about a real person, those uninterested in Hoffman probably won’t find much to like here. Those viewers who were around in the ’60s will appreciate this more than most, I would assume, but I think all interested people should go ahead and give Steal This Movie a chance. I liked the performances here a lot and with such names as Vincent D’Onofrio, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Janeane Garofalo, and Kevin Pollak, I knew I wouldn’t be let down with the acting in the first place. In the end, this is a good movie that is offered on a very nice disc, so I recommend this release to anyone interested, as it is well worth the cost.
Once again, Vincent D’Onofrio supplies a terrific turn and I have to say, I expected nothing less. Although his name isn’t often mentioned alongside more bankable ones, I feel D’Onofrio is one of the most skilled workers out there. At times, he is so buried in his roles that it can take half the flick to realize it is him, which is very impressive. Here, he plays Hoffman with a passion and energy that seem to befit the role well, but he just doesn’t look much like his character. That doesn’t spoil his work by any means, but I do feel some alternate casting could have better served this role, though D’Onofrio’s skills more than compensate in the end. Other films with D’Onofrio include Full Metal Jacket, Men In Black, Feeling Minnesota, JFK, Mystic Pizza, and The Cell. The rest of the cast here includes Donal Logue (The Patriot, Reindeer Games), Jeanne Tripplehorn (The Firm, Basic Instinct), Janeane Garofalo (The Minus Man, Clay Pigeons), and Kevin Pollak (The Usual Suspects, End of Days).
Video: How does it look?
Steal This Movie is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. I have no complaints to discuss here, as aside from some minimal grain at times, this transfer is superb. The grain is minor, so it doesn’t distract in the least, though I do think it should be mentioned here. The print also shows some small defects, but again, nothing to be concerned with in the end. The colors look natural when they should be, but also turn bright and rich when needed, while flesh tones are warm and normal also. No issues in terms of contrast either, as detail seems on the level and shadows are well defined as well. This is a very solid visual presentation, perhaps some of Trimark’s finest work to date.
Audio: How does it sound?
This disc houses a Dolby Digital 5.1 track, which provides a very active audio experience. This is a dialogue driven film most of the time, but a few sequences allow the surrounds to open up, even if not to an extreme degree. The vocals sound clean and easily audible here also, always at a proper volume and never overpowered by the other elements. Also in fine form here is the film’s musical soundtrack, which is filled with songs that mesh well with this subject matter. This mix is a very good and though it won’t blow out the speakers, it more than handles this material, which is what counts. This disc also includes subtitles in English, Spanish, and French.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This one is loaded down with extras, including two audio commentary tracks, both of which are well worth a spin. The first track is with director Robert Greenwald and cinematographer Denis Lenoir, who provide an informative, more technical commentary session. The second track is with performers Vincent D’Onofrio and Janeane Garofalo, who have a more relaxed approach and have fun, which makes for a nice balance with the other track. This disc also includes a selection of deleted scenes (with optional commentary), some interviews, the film’s trailer, storyboards for four scenes, and a brief featurette on the film’s production design.
