Plot: What’s it about?
It’s December 31rst, 1999, and the world is preparing for the biggest party in the history of the human race. But Lenny Nero (Ralph Fiennes) is not worried about the new millennium, he’s worried about making some money, big money, and avoiding the cops. Lenny sells a drug, but not in the sense that we think of drugs. He sells a computer program that plugs the user into a fantasy situation. Whether it’s a robbery, sexual doings, or suicide, the user feels and sees and hears everything exactly as if they were really there. But this process is just as illegal as any drug, so Lenny has to watch out. All types of twists and turns follow Lenny through New Year’s Eve, and who knows if he will make through to the year 2000.
This movie is very visual driven, and the style is very cool. Everything seems to be either dark as coal or bright and vibrant. Not much middle-ground, which sets a seedy feel to the world of Strange Days. Ultra bright colors intermingled with extremely dark backgrounds and buildings makes the movie seem very immoral, like the world in it is full of sin and wrong. The movie has a very spectacular feel to it, which makes me feel like I am watching a masterpiece. Strange Days was written and produced by James Cameron, and has a fairly deep story-line, but mostly, the acting and visuals steal this show.
The cast in Strange Days is jam-packed with talent. Fiennes is brilliant, and plays the con-man beautifully, but with a conscience, giving Lenny some appeal under his drug dealing exterior. Also starring is Angela Bassett, who plays Lenny’s friend, and she watches over him in times of need. Fleshing out the cast are Tom Sizemore, Juliette Lewis, and Vincent D’Onofrio, among others. If you’re hunting for an epic feel movie, this one will cash that ticket. A great story-line, superb acting, and moving visuals, Strange Days has it all. Don’t fear the millennium, because with this release, Y2K will be A-OK.
Video: How does it look?
A little lacking, with quite a bit of grain. But the colors are very good, even though a slight hazy effect seems to loom over the print. Overall, not bad, but not good either.
Audio: How does it sound?
This one is full of music, loud effects, and low volume dialogue. But the mix keeps everything apart, and easy to hear.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Not too bad, two trailers, a couple deleted scenes, and a discussion of the opening sequence by director Kathryn Bigelow. The discussion is a nice added touch, and brings some value to the disc. I always want a commentary, but…sorry…none to be had here.
