A garage band
searches for its big break while dealing with the band’s own personal
issues.
CRITIQUE
I missed the
opportunity to see Garage Days in the theater. It was given a
very limited (and very brief) release, which is a shame. While
director Alex Proyas isn’t a household name, his previous films (The
Crow, DarkCity) had earned him a following. This film would have
found an audience had it been given the chance. Instead it fell into
obscurity. That is, until now.
While Garage
Days does look and feel like an hour and half long music video,
the film rises above the standard MTV look. Proyas’ adoption of
different directional styles makes each segment of the film exist in a
world of its own. We are brought into the fantastical Australia that
these characters would exist in, and shown an optimistic and ideal
world in which anything is possible. Had this film existed in a more
realistic reality, I don’t believe we would be able to accept the
eccentricities of the characters.
The characters are
a wild bunch. The lead singer, Freddy, is naïve, maybe willfully so,
which gives the film a wonderful emotional core, because we can easily
emphasize with his struggles to make it into the music industry. The
bassist, Tanya, has many sexual frustrations and is looking for
someone who can help her properly. Lucy, the drummer, is a drug
manufacturer/dealer looking for the perfect high, and finds it in an
unexpected place. Finally the lead guitarist, Joe, has commitment and
jealously issues with his girlfriend, who is pregnant with his child.
This film is
energetic and full of fun. Like many of the underdog films we’ve seen
before, we want to see our heroes rise above their challenges. The
story weaves their challenge as a band with their own personal
struggles beautifully, ending with a conclusion that’s very
satisfying, if somewhat unexpected. While the film does have many
clichés, the film itself never feels clichéd. It’s just a quirky
little romp that gives its audience a fun ride.
THE VIDEO
The film is
presented in both full screen and widescreen, with one on one side of
the disc and the other on the reverse. The full screen side is
brightly labeled and looks inviting while the widescreen is almost
hidden, almost as if it were an afterthought. The transfer itself
looks good. The colors are well balanced and the black levels are
consistent throughout.
THE AUDIO
The sound mix is a
standard mix, presented in 5.1 Dolby surround. The surround use is
rarely noticed, with the exception of the concert at the end of the
film. The dialogue is never buried underneath the sound effects
(except when it is an actual story element.) Overall, it’s nothing to
speak of.
THE EXTRAS
Commentary with
Alex Proyas:
Alex Proyas’ feature length commentary is a wonderful guide through
the film. It’s one of the better commentaries, one that explains the
choices made in the film, examines the themes, and gives a mini film
school lecture.
Deleted Scenes:
Mostly extended scenes which don’t really add much to the film, but at
the same time are interesting to watch.
Outtakes/Goofs:
The cast being unable to say their lines or keep a straight face when
silly things happen.
Garage Days Backstage Pass: The making-of featurette, which is has real information in it, unlike
many other “making of’s” which are nothing more than actors saying how
much they like working with each other.
“Behind the Garage
Door” Interviews:
Interesting interviews with the cast, who give their own perspective
on their characters and the story.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, this is a
solid disc. The film is entertaining and the extras are interesting to
view. I just wish the disc actually labeled its widescreen
presentation as opposed to hiding it as though it were something to be
ashamed of having.
