L'Argent Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s release of Robert Bresson's L'argent on Blu-ray presents the film in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio, encoded with MPEG-4 and granted a 1080p transfer. The Blu-ray benefits from a meticulous 2K restoration that originates from a 4K scan of the 35mm original camera negative. Undertaken at Éclair Laboratories by MK2 with Mylène Bresson's participation and support from the Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée, the transfer boasts significant improvements in detail, depth, and fluidity, providing an image stability akin to theatrical presentations. However, there is a discernible shift towards warmer primary colors, affecting the native dynamic range and causing minor black crush and flatness in certain scenes.

The contrast remains well-pronounced without any artificial brightness boosts, and the film retains its cinematic grain structure without obscuring any details. The Criterion edition's grain is judiciously balanced, offering a superior image quality over past standard-definition releases like the MK2 French DVD. There are no traces of problematic degraining, sharpening adjustments, or distracting film artifacts such as debris or damage marks, ensuring a clean and stable viewing experience. However, some viewers might find the color balance slightly underwhelming due to its influence on the film's overall dynamism.

In summary, Criterion’s Blu-ray release of L'argent excels in most technical aspects, particularly detail and stability, thanks to its rigorous restoration process. Despite some minor issues with color balance and dynamic range, the transfer's overall quality represents a significant upgrade over previous versions, preserving the film’s intended look while enhancing its visual clarity for modern audiences.

The Blu-ray release of "L'Argent" features a single audio track, presented in French LPCM 1.0, with optional English subtitles for the main feature. The film’s soundtrack is notably sparse in terms of musical composition but compensates with a rich array of organic sounds that play a critical role in the viewing experience. The clarity, depth, and overall operation of these sounds are exemplary, ensuring that dialogues remain stable, clean, and easy to follow throughout. There are no audio dropouts, pops, hiss, or digital distortions to mar the presentation.

Criterion's meticulous attention to detail is evident in their audio restoration efforts for "L'argent." Utilizing the original 35 mm magnetic tracks, the monaural soundtrack was transferred and restored by L. E. Diapason. The result is an LPCM 1.0 track that retains its authentic feel while eliminating modern-day audio imperfections. The post-synchronized dialogue is clear and stable, predominantly emanating from the center speaker. Noteworthy is director Robert Bresson's use of sound effects, which are selectively amplified for dramatic effect. Though the soundtrack may sound flat due to its mono nature, it genuinely reflects the original recording’s intended experience.

The Blu Ray extras for "L'Argent" present a captivating deep dive into the film and its creator, Robert Bresson. The highlights include a compelling 1983 Cannes Press Conference wherein Bresson fields questions and provides illuminating insights into his stylistic choices, interspersed with engaging dialogues with actors and journalists. Another notable addition, "L'argent, A to Z," is an extensive video essay by James Quandt that explores Bresson's unique approach and the intricate connections to Tolstoy's novella, structured into 26 thematic segments. The package is rounded out with an original French trailer and an informative 40-page illustrated booklet, featuring a nuanced essay by Adrian Martin and an in-depth 1983 interview with Bresson by Michel Cement. This collection offers a thorough and vivid portrayal of Bresson's cinematic artistry.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original French trailer for L'Argent.
• 1983 Cannes Press Conference: Insights from Bresson post-screening.
• L'argent, A to Z: Comprehensive video essay by James Quandt.
• Booklet: Illustrated 40-page leaflet with essays by Adrian Martin and an expanded interview with Robert Bresson.

Robert Bresson's L'argent (1983), inspired by Leo Tolstoy's novella The Forged Coupon, presents a unique narrative style that is both intriguing and meticulously executed. The film follows a counterfeit bill as it circulates, triggering irreversible consequences for various characters, such as Norbert (Marc Ernest Fourneau) and Yvon Targe (Christian Patey). Bresson's choice of non-professional actors and his economic style underscore his vision of cinema as a mirror image of reality, free from conventional cinematic tricks. This approach amplifies the themes of guilt, redemption, and the corrosive power of hypocrisy within society, which remain relevant today.

The film's technical execution is noteworthy. Bresson, along with his cinematographers, employs a static camera with medium framing, rarely resorting to close-ups or tracking shots. This method frequently crops faces and focuses on hands or objects integral to the chain of events, eschewing conventional emotional engagement through facial expressions. The camera demonstrates a nearly autonomous exploration, reflecting a unique intimacy by often moving away from key actions to emphasize surrounding noises and indirect consequences. This meticulous framing and elliptical editing result in an almost visual fugue where no frame is wasted.

L'argent's characters appear cold and expressionless, highlighting money's corrosive effect on their souls. However, the absence of typical emotional cues does not render the film heartless; rather, it contributes to Bresson's formalism, creating a mesmerizing tale that captures the viewers' attention. Despite initial confusion from critics at Cannes, where Bresson won the Best Director Award, L'argent demands multiple viewings for audiences to fully appreciate its narrative depth and the subtleties in Bresson's filmmaking. Criterion's Blu-ray release of L'argent richly complements the film with extensive supplementary features, including a press conference from Cannes and a video essay by James Quandt, enhancing understanding and appreciation of this cinematic masterpiece.

The Blu-ray release of Robert Bresson's final film, "L'Argent," showcases an exquisite restoration sourced from a new 4K scan completed in France. As a striking example of Bresson's visual storytelling prowess and minimalist narrative style, this film holds a revered place in the annals of cinema history. Criterion’s transfer reflects the film's original qualities, maintaining a film-like texture that enhances the viewing experience. However, while the image quality is laudable, some might feel that the restoration could have pushed the envelope further.

The Blu-ray package does come with notable supplemental features, albeit not the most exhaustive suite of extras. Missing from Criterion's offering are Kent Jones's audio commentary and interviews available on the long out-of-print New Yorker DVD. However, it compensates for this with a compelling video essay by James Quandt and an insightful press conference with Bresson and his cast at Cannes. The sound quality is impeccable, ensuring that viewers can fully immerse themselves in Bresson's unique cinematic world.

The least effective way to experience Robert Bresson's final film, "L'Argent," is to approach it expecting to see a conventional crime thriller. If you do so, most likely you will be underwhelmed. Instead, try to think of it as a carefully constructed litmus test and I guarantee that it will engage your mind in a way that will pleasantly surprise you. Criterion's upcoming Blu-ray release is sourced from a new 4K restoration that was completed in France, but I think that after all the hard work the film could have looked even better. RECOMMENDED.