Plot: What’s it about?
It’s hard to believe that this movie is almost ten years old. I can remember the controversy surrounding it, but after viewing the film again I can’t see it as plainly. A lot has changed in nine years. Though the film will provoke an emotional response and make one think, I can’t see what the big deal was surrounding this movie. Director Adrian Lyne, whose credits include Flashdance and Fatal Attraction, did obviously have it in his mind to stir up some feeling in Hollywood. And let’s face it, with then ultra hot Demi Moore (things have since slowed down…way down), Woody Harrelson and Mr. Sundance himself, Robert Redford, what more would you need to open a movie? Hell, even if the movie wasn’t a success and didn’t cause all of the controversy that it did, it would at least open well! But I suppose this does come down to a question of ethics, or would morals be a better word? Would you let the person you love spend the night with another man (or woman…this is the 21st century) for one million dollars?
Diana Murphy (Demi Moore) and her husband, David (Woody Harrelson) are madly in love. They got married early at the age of 19 and despite all odds have been together for seven years now. David is an aspiring architect and to make some extra money, Diana has become a real estate agent. But the recession of 1992-93 hit and it hit hard. David lost his job and Diana has not sold a piece of property in six months. They have fallen behind on their mortgage payments and hence lose their “dream house” that David was building along the California coast. Desperate and with hardly any options, they turn to Las Vegas with their last borrowed $5000 and put all of their hopes on the luck of the draw (or the throw of the dice or the spin of the wheel) to save their financial souls. Despite being up some $25,000 the first day, things don’t go so well the next and it’s not long that they’re back down to what they showed up with. Life, for the Murphy’s, is not good. This is all about to change, though. It so happens that in the same hotel that the Murphy’s are gambling and staying at is billionaire John Gage (Robert Redford). Naturally, Diana catches his eye and between a few innocent flirts here and there, they all end up playing pool in his Presidential Suite.
This is where the fun begins and the controversy as well. As described so eloquently by Day Tripper (Billy Bob Thornton in an awesome role), “He’s a major poon hound!” Gage manages to bring up in a conversation as to money and can it buy people and therefore love? The Murphy’s, thinking their relationship is rock solid, disagree and hence the offer is made. One night alone with Diane is all Gage wants and in return for whatever occurs, one million dollars will be theirs for a lifetime. Think about it. As it stands, they decide to do the deal, but it’s not long after it’s over with that David has a hard time coming to terms with what has really happened. Turning extremely jealous and distrustful, he and Diane soon separate. All of this over a bet, but it’s a lot more complex than it sounds. Perhaps one of the most controversial movies of the 90’s directed by one of the directors who made one of the most controversial movies of the 80’s (Fatal Attraction). Indecent Proposal will make you think about love, morals and most of all…money.
Video: How does it look?
Indecent Proposal is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. This image looks very good considering the age of the film and while there isn’t much visual change in the film, this is a clean and sharp overall transfer. I saw no traces of grain or debris and compression errors were limited to some very minor infractions. The colors look bright, but not too rich and flesh tones seem normal and warm also. The contrast is in order as well, with acceptable shadow balance and a high level of visible detail. This film could have looked better, but it never has looked as good as it does now.
Audio: How does it sound?
There is a brand new Dolby Digital 5.1 track on this disc and while it doesn’t amount to much, it’s (again) a better improvement over the surround track, which is also included. One thing that did strike me odd is that during the early Las Vegas scene, the roulette wheel does sound pretty darn good. The shot on the screen is a close-up of the wheel and as the ball goes round and round, it travels from front to center speakers. Amazing how good a roulette ball can sound in 5.1! The dialogue sounds a bit dated, which surprised me, but it’s not that bad. It just sounds a bit hollow, but for a film less than ten yeras old, this is almost unacceptable. On the whole, it’s nothing to write home about, but it’s not that bad either. Average at best.
Supplements: What are the extras?
In a move that boggles my mind, Indecent Proposal does contain one extra, a commentary track with Director Adrian Lyne. This is the sole extra! No trailer, no featurette…nothing. In any case, the track is rather interesting as there aren’t that many spots in which he actually says anything of interest. Obviously, this will be remembered for how much commentary it caused and he comments on that as well. A mildly interesting track, but as the sole supplement on the disc, I still don’t know what to think. While Indecent Proposal was a hit at the time, I’m not sure how well it will stand the test of it. Still, it’s a testament to Demi Moore when she still had a career ahead of her.
