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Written
& Directed by Susan Montford Starring | |
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This DVD was a real surprise. I didn't have any expectations, other than really liking the iconic DVD cover. I had no preconceived notions of what the cover meant, but after seeing the film, I have to say the image brilliantly represents the film. Writer/Director Susan Montford has made a grounded film that has a realistic story that unravels like a long primer chord attached to a keg of dynamite. Montford tells the story with almost invisible style. Her shooting, cutting and even performances work together for an end result. None of the filmmaking elements take you out of the movie, so you'll stay with what's happening from the beginning. Kim Basinger plays Della. She is a stay at home mom with two children to care for. Her husband (Craig Sheffer) is physical and verbal abusive hothead who takes out his anger when he gets home for work. This gives Della a reason to leave the house, so she goes to the mall to buy some Christmas wrapping paper. The mall is packed with Christmas shoppers and Montford takes well observed, potent stance about how our society acts in such a very real situation. This leads to the main conflict in the movie, which I refuse to give away. I don't think I've ever seen Kim Basinger better. The blonde actress still looks incredible, but it's what she does with this difficult character that will stay with you. The rest of the actors are cast with bull's-eye precision. It's kind of hard to believe Lukas Haas was the innocent little big-eyed boy in WITNESS, because now he's a full-grown man. Craig Sheffer is so strong that I had to remind myself he's just acting. The way the film plays out, it reminded me a lot of FIRST BLOOD. The wet scenic locations (Vancouver is not far from where FIRST BLOOD was shot - Hope, British Columbia) and how the violence erupts is right in line with Stallone's seminal film. In the supplements, there is a telling Making Of WHILE SHE WAS OUT, where you get to see/hear Writer/Director Susan Montford's comments about her film. It was very enlightening hearing Kim Basinger speak about how she approached the role. There is a real stark contrast to how beautiful she looks in the film. Lukas Haas speaks about how it was important to him to bring some sensitivity to his dark character. Casual but extremely informative Audio Commentary is provided by with Writer/Director Susan Montford and Producer Don Murphy. Trailers and TV Spots are also included. As of the middle of April, this is the best movie I've reviewed on DVD in 2009. | ||
