Plot: What’s it about?
Okwe (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is a wanted man, as back in his homeland of Nigeria, he is accused of killing his own wife in cold blood. As a result, he ventured to England and lives in London, though he is an illegal resident. His new lot in life revolves around work, as he spends all of his time doing assorted tasks at different jobs. He works as a taxi driver on some days, but is often found tending to small medical issues for his coworkers. This provides him with added income, as well as some sense of security within his position. When the night arrives, he works at the main desk at a hotel and has little time for anything else. His constant work causes him immense stress, not to mention lack of sleep, so he takes an herbal dose to balance himself out. At the same hotel, a Turkish woman named Senay (Audrey Tautou) works hard to avoid deportation. She is an illegal refugee, which means she is not allowed to work. This presents constant problems for her, especially since the local authorities keep a close watch. But she works at the hotel nonetheless, since she has to take care of her basic needs, if nothing else. Okwe soon begins to pay Senay to sleep on her couch, which is another violation of her alien status. When Okwe discovers that the hotel is involved in illegal activities, will he be able to see justice done?
The title of this film seems as if it is for a sleaze or exploitation picture, but in this case, the title has no real significance in the movie itself. I went to see this film with minimal expectations, as I had not heard much about Dirty Pretty Things. In the end, I left more than satisfied, even if the movie has a fair share of drawbacks. So I looked forward to this release, so I could revisit the film and perhaps get a new perspective on the experience. Miramax promotes the film as an erotic thriller, which really does no justice to this production. If one were to rent Dirty Pretty Things looking for erotic sex, then they would be quite disappointed. You’ll find some sex here, but it is cold and sterile, with no emotion or passion to mention. Instead of a thriller, we have a darker breed of drama, with ample tension, but not the kind found in modern thrillers. Stephen Frears (Dangerous Liaisons) directs with great skill, as the visuals enhance the experience, but never distract the audience. His stars are in fine form also, as Audrey Tautou is a haunting, tragic figure here and Chiwetel Ejiofor is just as solid. That is great news, as the focus looms on these leads throughout. The ending veers a little and some of the story elements don’t pan out, but all in all, this is a terrific movie. So if you’re interested, Dirty Pretty Things is well worth a rental.
After the global success of Amelie, Audrey Tautou became an instant superstar and all kinds of doors were opened. That could have been a launch toward even bigger projects, but Tautou has tried to remain out of the cinematic spotlight. She has starred in several films since Amelie, but none have been as popular or acclaimed. I think a lot of people are surprised she hasn’t turned Hollywood, but she was clear on her intentions. Tautou has spoken numerous times about her dislike of the Hollywood system, so it shouldn’t be a shock she has stayed out. I can respect that decision, as she has been loyal to her word and stayed with more artistic pictures. But, those films haven’t been able to put her to good use, as she often is just there. Amelie opened the world’s eyes to Tautou’s immense talent, but she hasn’t expanded her cinematic horizons. I understand the no Hollywood approach, but at least choose more worthwhile projects. Dirty Pretty Things is a step in the right direction to be sure, but she needs a few more hits to balance out the misses. Other films with Tautou include The Spanish Apartment, He Loves Me…He Loves Me Not, Happenstance, and Venus Beauty Institute. Her fellow lead, Chiwetel Ejiofor can be seen in such films as Amistad, Love Actually, Three Blind Mice, and Slow Burn.
Video: How does it look?
Dirty Pretty Things is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. This is another excellent new release from Miramax, which means the film’s dark visuals are well replicated. I saw some minor debris on the print, but just small nicks and such. I know we expect pristine prints on new releases, but a few specks aren’t reason enough for rebellion. You’ll also see some jagged edges, but outside of those flaws, this is a dynamic visual effort. The colors are bold and rich, even in darker scenes, while flesh tones remain warm and natural. No issues with contrast either, thanks to some spot on black levels that never disappoint. So while this isn’t a flawless presentation, it is a great one and is sure to satisfy all audiences.
Audio: How does it sound?
This is a dialogue driven movie and as such, the included 5.1 surround track isn’t worked too hard. I did notice that the music sounds very good in this mix, which is good since it compliments the film well. The bulk of the sound effects are subtle or background noises, so don’t expect much range or power from this one. I do like how nothing is forced through, which maintains a natural, fluid overall sound for this track. The main element is dialogue, which comes across in crisp fashion in this mix. I never had any trouble with clarity or volume, this is a wonderful and appropriate audio treatment. This disc also includes a French language track.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes a brief look behind the scenes, as well as an audio commentary track with director Stephen Frears. His session is a decent one, but there is a lot of silence and in the end, that dooms this track. You will learn a little about the material and the production, but this should have been a better session.
