Mister Lonely Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Mister Lonely" delivers a visually engaging yet technically nuanced experience, primarily owing to the collaboration with Danish cinematographer Marcel Zyskind. The film was shot using both Super 16 and Super 35 mm film, utilizing Arricam LT and Arriflex 416 cameras equipped with Zeiss Super Speed and Angenieux HR lenses. This approach effectively captures the film’s thematic duality, balancing documentary-like realism with dreamlike imagery. Presented in a 1080p transfer, the Blu-ray maintains the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The image clarity and contrast stand out, highlighting a rich color palette that encompasses the vivid costumes, lush landscapes, and striking skies, all while maintaining smooth playback without significant technical issues.

Detail retention remains strong throughout the Blu-ray, exhibiting minimal visual artifacts. While occasional macro blocking and posterization can be observed, these are infrequent and do not detract from the overall viewing experience. The cinematography intentionally incorporates black crush in certain scenes for stylistic effect, thereby enhancing the narrative depth. The use of widescreen framing is particularly effective in capturing expansive landscapes like the grounds of the castle, though it sometimes leaves peripheral dead space when scenes focus on fewer characters. Notably, the striking imagery at the beginning and end of the film benefits from slow-motion techniques, enriching the visual storytelling.

Overall, this Blu-ray release caters well to both cinephiles and general audiences. It provides a faithful and satisfying visual rendition that aligns closely with the director’s artistic vision, ensuring that viewers can appreciate the aesthetic qualities synonymous with Zyskind's work. Fans of the film and technical enthusiasts alike will find this release both professionally executed and visually rewarding.

The audio presentation of "Mister Lonely" on Blu-ray is encapsulated in a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix that delivers an engaging and nuanced sonic experience. Despite its predominantly front-focused configuration, it skillfully incorporates surround channels to enrich the listening experience with ambient sounds and musical cues. Noteworthy contributions to the film’s auditory landscape include tracks from Jason J. Spaceman Pierce and the Sun City Girls, whose eclectic sonic sensibilities enhance the unique tapestry of the narrative. This mix effectively complements the visual narrative, contributing to an immersive cinematic experience.

The soundtrack ensures clarity and precision in dialogue, which is essential for maintaining the film's emotional resonance. English SDH subtitles are provided, facilitating an accessible viewing experience for all audiences. The score, prominently featuring compositions by Jason Spaceman and The Sun City Girls, punctuates the film with moments of poignant musicality, most notably in sequences where impersonators dance to Irving Berlin’s "Cheek to Cheek." Such interludes provide depth and underscore the film's thematic elements.

Overall, the audio mix proficiently supports key scenes with subtlety and precision, as exhibited by effects such as the distinctive whipping sound complementing Luna’s Michael Jackson homage. The immersive experience is exemplified by the use of Bobby Vinton’s "Mister Lonely" in the opening sequence, a fitting sonic motif that runs through this audio piece. This mix serves as a solid auditory counterpart to the film's visual storytelling, enhancing its atmospheric and emotive power.

The Blu-ray release of "Mister Lonely" is notably enhanced by its comprehensive collection of extras, enriching the viewing experience for fans of Harmony Korine's work. The on-disc features are a treasure trove for enthusiasts, offering an insightful Audio Commentary by filmmaker Jay Cheel, who offers a detailed analysis of the film's themes and Korine's inspirations, albeit with more subjective enthusiasm than firsthand insight. Deleted Scenes extend the narrative's peculiar charm, providing nearly 37 minutes of additional footage that showcases alternate storytelling dimensions. Video Essay by Samm Deighan critically examines Korine's influences, particularly from the French New Wave and Werner Herzog. The Making-Of Featurette delves into Korine’s conceptual process and his use of celebrity impersonators, revealing his unique cinematic style. Finally, the vintage Theatrical Trailer promises a snapshot into the film’s promotional approach.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Filmmaker Jay Cheel analyzes film themes.
• Deleted Scenes: Collection of trimmed and extended scenes.
• Video Essay: Samm Deighan discusses French New Wave influences.
• Making-Of Featurette: Insights from Korine on thematic approach.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional vintage piece.

"Mister Lonely," Harmony Korine’s third directorial piece, remains as polarizing as his previous works, delving into themes of identity and communal living. The film centers on a Michael Jackson impersonator, played by Diego Luna, struggling for identity in the streets of Paris. After encountering a Marilyn Monroe impersonator, portrayed by Samantha Morton, he finds himself integrated into a Scottish commune of celebrity impersonators. Within this group, the characters grapple with maintaining their adopted personas, depicted through vivid interactions which mask deeper conflicts, such as Marilyn's troubling relationship with her husband, played by Denis Lavant.

The narrative structure is unconventional, segmented into four chapters named after Michael Jackson songs, interspersed with a peculiar subplot involving Werner Herzog’s character, Father Umbrillo. His storyline introduces elements of faith and extremism, with a group of nuns participating in sky-diving stunts to test their belief in God. This side story subtly underlines the larger themes of communal life and cult-like adherence that Korine himself experienced in his youth.

Despite possessing an intriguing premise, "Mister Lonely" ultimately falters in execution. Its 112-minute runtime expands on random interactions without penetrating depth into its characters or thematic substance. The juxtaposition of disparate historical figures meeting within a modern timeline offers occasional sparks of creativity, yet overall it leaves much potential uncapitalized. Nevertheless, its uniqueness still offers fans of Korine an experience worth examining. This Blu-ray release, praised for its audiovisual quality and robust supplement of extras, provides an opportunity to explore Korine’s vision beyond the surface-level narrative flaws.

"Mister Lonely," directed by Harmony Korine, is an original and visually intriguing film that explores themes of identity and isolation through its dream-like narrative structure. The Blu-ray release significantly enhances the visual and auditory experience compared to the 2008 DVD edition. The high-definition transfer presents the film's vibrant color palette and surreal imagery with greater clarity, amplifying the ethereal quality that Korine seems to strive for. The audio complements the visual component well, maintaining an immersive atmosphere that draws viewers into its strange world.

The film introduces a plethora of characters, though many remain underdeveloped, serving more as curious figures against the backdrop of a surreal odyssey. While Diego Luna brings life to his portrayal of an impersonator of Michael Jackson, the narrative’s focus on the eccentric casts this central character into the shadows, diluting the potential for deeper emotional connection. The film’s structure mimics a dream, with a succession of disjointed scenes that challenge conventional storytelling and make it difficult for audiences seeking straightforward narratives to engage fully.

The Blu-ray package from IFC Films is comprehensive, offering robust bonus content that adds value even if the film itself does not resonate. This package provides a richer understanding of Korine's vision, catering to both fans and newcomers alike. In conclusion, while "Mister Lonely" shines through its unusual charm and technical prowess on Blu-ray, its narrative self-indulgence may alienate some viewers. Nonetheless, it remains a visually captivating experience with a fascinating glimpse into Korine's imaginative realm.