Plot: What’s it about?
Based on the novel by Janet Fitch, White Oleander can easily be dismissed as a “chick” flick solely based on the cast. Granted, it does star Michelle Pfeiffer, Renee Zellweger and the main star of the movie, Alison Lohman. And yes, most of the male characters portrayed here by Billy Connolly, Noah Wyle and Cole Hauser just might turn out to be the scum of the earth, in one way or the other. But the film wasn’t meant to make that sort of a statement. Rather, we see the movie through the eyes of Astrid (Alison Lohman) as she watches her mother get convicted of murder in the first degree. Astrid is then sent to several foster homes where she learns more about life than her controlling mother (Michelle Pfeiffer) can teach her. What makes the movie work, aside from the acting, is the genuine feelings we feel for Astrid and her foster homes. In tone, I feel this compares a lot to American Beauty, and not just because of the resemblance of the soundtrack. Youth, misunderstood, is something that movie stated very well and in its own way, White Oleander makes the same bold statement.
Astrid and Ingrid (Lohman and Pfeiffer respectively) are artists. Ingrid knows it and is somewhat successful in her line of work. But, as far as artists go, she’s the typical free-spirit and now that her daughter is at a very influential age, Ingrid uses all of her motherly authority to sway Astrid to think and be just like her. At first, Astrid is in awe of her mother, just as young kids are of their parents. She knows nothing of her father, but is curious. Not before long, Ingrid becomes insanely jealous of her new boyfriend’s (Billy Connolly) escapades and kills him (though we never see it). She is tried and sentenced to life in prison and Astrid must now face the long voyage to adulthood bouncing from foster home to foster home. As she grows up, she reflects the mood of each of the very different homes she’s in. At first, she is taken by a so-called religious woman by the name of Starr (Robin Wright Penn); a self-professed Christian, though her actions suggest otherwise. After a minor mishap, Astrid is then taken to the lowest of the low where she meets one of the only people who she can relate to, an aspiring artist named Paul (Almost Famous’ Patrick Fugit). From there she hits the “jackpot” and is lucky enough to live with an actress (Renee Zellweger) and her traveling husband (Noah Wyle). However, she learns that life isn’t always fair and again is back in the masses looking for another home.
As Astrid grows up, we learn a lot with her. The movie is told through her point of view and it’s not long into the film that we really start to identify with her. Though the title of the film suggests that this, like Adaptation, will center around a flower, it really serves no purpose. We do learn that the flower is poisonous, but nothing more. The cast of the film is great, and newcomer Alison Lohman holds her own with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Those looking for a fast-paced action movie might look elsewhere, though as this is a very character-driven movie with a slow, subtle pace that builds as the movie progresses. Though some of the subject matter might not be suitable for the younger ones, the themes that the movie possesses do more than make up for some of the more gruesome moments. As you can undoubtedly tell, I liked the movie and though I’m usually not one for “chick” flicks, this one isn’t of that genre. A great story, with a great cast and some great acting can only add up to one thing…
Video: How does it look?
The 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer is something that we’ve come to expect from Warner as they have set the bar almost too high on their new to DVD releases. While there were some scenes that had a bit of dirt to them, for the most part this transfer is top notch. The film has a variety of colors that obviously have a direct impact on the mood that the movie is in at that particular moment in time. Though the ever-changing palette is challenged, it pulls through with flying colors (no pun intended). Flesh tones appear warm and soft, even considering the almost porcelain look of Pfeiffer’s face throughout. Black levels are right on target and there is little or no sign of edge enhancement to speak of.
Audio: How does it sound?
Additionally, the Dolby Digital 5.1 track won’t be one that will challenge your setup. You’ll get a very discrete sound coming from all of the channels, but it’s not so in your face that you’ll feel the need to turn the volume down. Surrounds are only used in a few instances, but they are used properly. Most of the action is in the front stage of the setup and that’s about all you’ll need. I mentioned earlier that the soundtrack reminded me of American Beatuy. It does. I’m not sure if that was intentional or not, but for a good comparison, this track and that of the aforementioned movie are almost identical. A nice effort here.
Supplements: What are the extras?
While not sporting too many supplements, this is available in both widescreen and full-frame versions. A screen specific audio commentary is included with Director Kosminsky, Producer John Wells and the author of the book, Janet Finch. The track is insightful and full of little details here and there. There are some spots where silence is prevalent, but for the most part it’s a great track that accompanies a great movie. There are also some deleted scenes, but without commentary by the Director, it’s a bit hard to tell why they were cut. Additionally, the back of the box lists them as “Enthralling” Additional scenes, for whatever that’s worth! A couple of behind the scenes featurettes are included, “The Journey of White Oleander” tells of how the book was sold into a movie (the day Oprah announced it as her “Book of the Month” no less) and how the parts were cast and such. This leads us into the more cookie-cutter “The Making of White Oleander” which essentially rehashes most of what was said I the first featurette. Still, it’s nice to have them both as opposed to nothing at all. Some cast bios and a trailer are also included. A pretty decent looking and sounding movie with just enough features makes for a great DVD. Recommended.
