MovieFreak.com - "Levity" DVD Review by Dennis Landmann

DVD REVIEW

Levity (2003)

Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Morgan Freeman, et al.

Director: Ed Solomon

Rating: R

Distributor: Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment

Release Date: August 26, 2003
Review posted: September 5, 2003

Spoilers: Minor

Reviewed by Dennis Landmann

Synopsis

Manual Jordan (Thornton) is a convicted murderer who is unexpectedly released from prison after serving a 22-year sentence for killing a store clerk in a failed robbery attempt. Haunted by his past and seemingly lost in the present, Manual is drawn back to his old neighborhood. There, he encounters three people that hold the key to his redemption: a self-destructive young woman (Kirsten Dunst), an enigmatic inner-city man (Freeman) and the older sister (Holly Hunter) of the boy he killed.

Critique

Despite a strong cast, wonderful cinematography by Roger Deakins (The Man Who Wasn’t There), and an ethereal score by Mark Oliver Everett, Levity is a disappointment. This is mainly due to reasons of slow pacing and lack of story elements. Ed Solomon, best known for writing Men in Black, makes his directorial debut with Levity, which he also scripted. Solomon directs the film nicely and it’s apparent he can handle a good cast. However, it appears he can’t handle a drama just yet (in my opinion, mind you).

Solomon introduces his characters carefully and gives them some fine nuances. Most of the time they seem really down to earth, but on the other hand they come off as a little too sentimental. They have flaws and try to make a difference in some shape or form. Levity observes these characters, but by doing so it runs on a thin line—one that borders decent drama and boring drama. The editing is a peculiar case here. Pietro Scalia, whose credits include Black Hawk Down and Gladiator, does a nice job of making scene transitions smooth and linear, but on the whole can’t lift the boredom that comes from watching this drama unfold as slow as it does.

On the other hand, I’m happy to report Levity is more successful on the acting front. Billy Bob Thornton’s Jordan is a reclusive man. He seems slow at times, but really he wants to make peace with himself. Understandably, he served 22 years in prison for a murder he regrets having committed, not to mention when he gets out the world has totally changed since the 80s. Thornton acts subdued here, and while it’s good for the character, his performance certainly doesn’t reach his acting range. Morgan Freeman’s character is a priest, it seems, and his gritty accent is a bit distracting. Still, Freeman acts to his ability. Holly Hunter is very good here also, and Kirsten Dunst plays a here-and-there type of character, perhaps suffering from a very mild split personality disorder. Overall, the four main actors, as well as some supporting players, give some pretty good performances.

The Video

Columbia presents Levity in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. Colors are mostly dark and subdued, except for a few light colors in between. The general aspect of the picture is crisp and well-defined. Edge enhancement is visible, as are specks and some dirt, but no major concerns. Black levels and dark tones are solid. The transfer is accurate and handles the picture well. Overall, it’s a pretty decent presentation.

The Audio

Columbia presents Levity in English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound—only it doesn’t sound that way. Surround usage is non-existent, and the soundtrack is located in the front throughout the film. That is, dialogue, the score, and a few ambient sounds all come out of the two front speakers. Still, dialogue is clear and easy to understand. There really isn’t a lot of punch here, but the transfer is fine if you consider the low-level performance of the soundtrack in general. A 3.0 soundtrack seems applicable in this case, and perhaps it really is.

The Extras

Writer/Director Ed Solomon, Editor Pietro Scalia, and Producer Adam Merims provide a Feature-length audio commentary. The information here is relevant to production issues and tidbits, making for a generally informative listen. Perhaps somewhat disconcerting is Solomon’s confession of wanting the film to be even more open-ended. Also available is a Featurette that runs for about 15 minutes, which includes cast and crew interviews. Rounding out the extras is the film’s Theatrical Trailer, plus bonus trailers for Laurel Canyon and Man Without a Past.

You can select to view the film with optional English and French subtitles. The DVD’s menus are not animated. The 100-minute feature is organized into twenty-eight chapters.

Overall

Levity—good performances, cinematography, and score; emotionally-flat characters, slow pace, mostly boring. There are good things, and there are bad things. Video/audio is pretty decent. Extras are not plentiful, but the commentary is nice to have. Rent it if nothing else is available.

RATINGS SUMMARY