Plot: What’s it about?
Clint Eastwood directed and produced this movie based upon a book of the same title by John Berendt. It portrays a true story that occurred in 1981 in Savannah, Georgia. As a side note, let me say that I saw the movie first, shortly after it came to video, and I just recently read the book. I would recommend that same order for anyone interested in the story. If you find the movie interesting enough, then read the book. As usual, the screenplay condensed the book tremendously and you will learn a lot more about the politics and background motives that drive the story.
Now back to the review. The movie concerns the eccentric characters (and there are many) in the town of Savannah. One of them, an antiques dealer name Jim Williams, played magnificently by Kevin Spacey, agrees to a request that a writer come down from Town & Country magazine and cover one of his extravagant Christmas parties. Thus, native Yankee, John Kelso (John Cusack) is sent to Savannah and finds himself immersed with all kinds of strange individuals.
Then the storyline takes a sharp turn when, after the Christmas party, Jim Williams shoots one of his part-time employees, a young punk named Billy Hanson. Kelso begins to cover the entire situation with the up front acknowledgment that he is planning to write a book and is willing to share any information that he gathers with Williams and his defense team. The facts he uncovers, and the people he meets along the way, are incredibly fascinating. It would be difficult to believe the people in this movie actually existed, much less lived in the same area at the same time. But then, I remember someone once said about a piece of information that was difficult to believe that “you just can’t make stuff like this up.” Or something like that.
The video is as good as any movie I have ever seen on DVD. The audio is excellent, as is demonstrated by the incredible music that plays throughout the movie. If you enjoy soft jazz in the style of Johnny Mercer, then you will love this music. I will definitely be out within the next couple of days to buy the soundtrack. As far as extras, this DVD is packed with them. Between production and casting notes, as well as interviews with the real life people that are portrayed in the movie, not many other DVDs can come close to this one in the extras department.
Bottom line, if you have never seen this movie, it is a must see. If you have already seen it and enjoyed it, just the extras on the DVD make it worth the purchase or rental.
Video: How does it look?
Very Good. Scenes were not too grainy and the colors were bright. Overall, a very clear picture. It is an excellent way to see the historic district of Savannah, if unable to in person.
Audio: How does it sound?
Excellent. Not too much of a workout for the subwoofer or rear speakers with this movie. There just are not many scenes requiring heavy surround sound. However, the music does fill up the room and make your speakers dance. But in a good way.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Loaded with them. Production notes, casting notes, tours, interviews, you name it. Perhaps the one of the few other DVDs to have more would be the Apollo 13 Collector’s Edition. But then, it has almost 10 hours of viewing material. This is more like three or four hours. Plenty for this story and background material.
