Plot: What’s it about?
The first segment of the film is titled Fiction, in which a young girl named Vi (Selma Blair) explores a relationship with a young man named Marcus (Leo Fitzpatrick). The two have sex on a regular basis, but Marcus thinks his handicap might be the main allure for Vi, a sort of unusual kink to turn her on. In addition, both are in a writing class with a prominent black author as the teacher, so their work is put through the paces. When she refuses to read over Marcus’ latest paper, an argument follows and Vi winds up looking for a quick sexual score. But when it turns into a brutal rape, she puts her ordeal down on paper and finds herself as the one on trial, when her classmates claim her story is falsified. In Nonfiction, we watch as Toby Oxman (Paul Giamatti) comes to terms with his wasted potential, then tries to come up with a scheme to get more out of his dull, meaningless life. His search leads him to film the life of a high school student named Scooby (Mark Webber), who has a host of personal issues. Will this project surge Oxman’s career and if so, at what price will this success be given?
I had hoped to be able to see Storytelling in a theater, but it never even came close to my small town, so I had to wait for this home video release. That is a shame, as I enjoy seeing controversial films with audiences, if just to watch how the viewers react to what happens on the screen. As this is a Todd Solondz picture, that means plenty of dark & offensive material, including material that is bound to tick off countless special interest groups. The movie is broken into two segments, which kinds of works, but then again, kind of leaves both sections on the short side, if you ask me. But even so, both segments remain effective and feature some terrific performances. Selma Blair is excellent, while such names as John Goodman, Paul Giamatti, Robert Wisdom, and others also turn in fine efforts. I have to admit, I had high hopes and Storytelling didn’t quite reach them, but it still works out as a terrific picture. New Line has issued the unrated version on this disc, but done little in terms of supplements, though fans will still want to nab this release.
This is not the usual cinematic magic, but then again, you shouldn’t expect that from a film directed by Todd Solondz (Happiness, Welcome to the Dollhouse). As those familiar with his previous work know, Solondz works inside of a darker, more harsh realm than most filmmakers, but never an unrealistic one. Perhaps that is why people find his movies to be so offensive, since it seems as though these strange things could really happen, maybe even with someone the audience knows involved. Then again, maybe it is just the rampant disregard for the politically correct world we live in, since Solondz loves to push the limits and go beyond the accepted norms, which he does here often and to effective ends. This is not his finest effort, but it does fit in well with his resume and fans should find it worthwhile. The cast here includes Selma Blair (Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde), Paul Giamatti (Big Momma’s House, Planet of the Apes), and John Goodman (O Brother, Where Art Thou?, The Flintstones).
Video: How does it look?
Storytelling is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, with a full frame edition also included on this dual layered disc. Although this effort isn’t up to the usual New Line high standards, it is an above average treatment and a solid overall presentation. The print is clean and allows for a sharp looking image, while compression errors are minimal, so no edge enhancement or other issues arise. The colors look bold and impressive, with rich and natural hues throughout, but no signs of errors to report. I found contrast to be acceptable, but a little too dark in the not so bright scenes, to the point of some detail loss. Even so, this is a good looking visual effort in most respects, so I won’t be too bitter over the quibbles.
Audio: How does it sound?
A Dolby Digital 5.1 option is found on this disc, but unless my ears went dead on me, there’s no use of the surrounds channels here. The lack of atmosphere isn’t an issue however, as the film uses a basic, natural soundscope throughout. The dialogue is crisp and clean at all times, with no harshness or volume balance troubles. The music sounds good also, though not too memorable, while the sound effects are solid, if also unremarkable. Not a track to show off your system with, but for the material involved, it proves to be enough. This disc also includes a 2.0 surround option, as well as subtitles in English and French.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes both the theatrical (R) and unrated editions of the movie, as well as the film’s theatrical trailer.
