The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun" offers an exceptional 1080p transfer in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Shot by Belgian cinematographer Manuel Dacosse, the film enhances its visual storytelling through an almost black-and-white stylistic approach, emphasizing shapes and lines, with references to expressionist cinema, giallo, and the works of Fritz Lang. The digital production, processed with an AVC/MPEG-4 encoding, maintains striking clarity and detail throughout, underscoring the meticulous care in composition.

The Blu-ray features crisply detailed visuals, showcasing sharpness in both close-ups and wide shots. Despite the muted and pastel color palette that aligns with the film's aesthetic, when strong colors appear, they are profoundly saturated—most notably reds. Black levels remain stable and deep, handling night scenes with finesse while avoiding any crushing issues. Skin tones are rendered naturally, accentuating the realistic look created by the absence of artificial lighting and reliance on natural light for both interior and exterior shots.

Magnolia Home Entertainment's encoding provides a solid performance, even at an average bitrate of 21.99 Mbps, which is lower than ideal. Nonetheless, the digital acquisition and compression are skillfully managed to prevent any significant artifacts or interference. The audio-visual combination ultimately results in a visually compelling experience that effectively highlights the film’s intricate details—such as Dany's vivid red hair and facial features—without forfeiting the cinematic depth essential for this genre.

The audio presentation of "The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun" is delivered through a lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix available in both French and English tracks, with the French track being notably superior. While the mix predominantly focuses on the front soundstage, occasional ambient effects such as bird cries and rainfall extend into the surround channels, providing modest but effective immersion. Dialogue clarity is exceptional, free of distortions like pops, cracks, or hiss, making it easy to follow along, especially with the English subtitles provided.

One of the standout elements of this audio mix is the musical score, featuring a blend of original compositions by Agnes Olier and modern arrangements of period pop songs. The soundtrack is well-represented across the channels with a dynamic range that enhances the film's overall mood. Low-frequency extensions are present, and while not overly pronounced, they add a subtle punch during action beats and significant moments in the score. This provides listeners with an engaging and rich auditory experience, though bass response remains on the lighter side.

Additionally, the soundtrack benefits from a decent surround sound presentation. Although not highly immersive, surround channels contribute effectively to ambient noises and music cues, creating an expansive feel. The audio dynamics are particularly noteworthy, with scenes where the score and action sequences noticeably enhance the viewing experience. Overall, while the track may not fully exploit the potential of a high-budget production, it delivers a competent and pleasing auditory experience in line with Magnolia’s consistent quality standards.

The Blu Ray extras for "The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun" are both engaging and informative, offering a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look into the film's creation. The key highlight is the candid and insightful interview with director Joann Sfar, where he discusses his unfiltered thoughts on everything from the scripting to scoring of the film. Sfar's passion is further showcased in a featurette that displays his paintings created during the filmmaking process. These extras provide a deep dive into Sfar's artistic vision and directorial challenges. The package is rounded off with a theatrical trailer that captures the film's unique essence, all presented in high definition.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Man in the Car with a Pen and a Camera: Insightful interview with director Joann Sfar.
• The Paintings of Director Joann Sfar: Exhibition of Sfar's paintings created during production.
• Theatrical Trailer: Captivating montage conveying the film's tone.

Joann Sfar's "The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun," colloquially referred to as "The Lady," is an offbeat thriller that doubles as a visual tone poem. Sfar, known for his distinct graphic novel background, brings a unique stylistic approach, transforming what might have been a standard adaptation of Sébastien Japrisot’s classic crime novel into something surreal and highly stylized. The storyline, centered around the character Dany (Freya Mavor), unfolds more like fragments of a dream than a conventional narrative. Flashbacks and fast-forwards blend into an erratic yet visually stunning collage, making heavy use of split screens and insert shots that evoke the unpredictable spontaneity of a music video.

Set against the backdrop of the South of France, shot in idyllic locations like Marseilles, Nice, and Cannes, "The Lady" creates an alternative world detached from any specific time period despite its rotary phones and manual typewriters. The plot is anchored by Dany's surreal road trip in a vintage blue Thunderbird, which turns more bizarre as she encounters strangers who claim to know her from encounters she doesn’t remember. The casting of non-French actors in key roles lends a stilted yet deliberate artificiality to the dialogue, enhancing the film’s dreamlike quality. Notably, Benjamin Biolay's portrayal of Michel invokes an eerie resemblance to former French President Jacques Chirac, further layering the film's peculiar charm.

Despite occasional narrative disorientation, Sfar's film is undeniably compelling. A sense of dread and dislocation permeates every frame, echoed by its influences from film noir, giallo, and magical realism. The film thrives on its gorgeous visuals and memorable musical choices, although it sometimes sacrifices coherence in favor of stylistic bravado. While the journey can feel tangential and chaotic, it ultimately paints a mesmerizing picture of Dany’s unraveling psyche. This visual feast might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it offers an undeniably unique cinematic experience that stands out in its originality.

"The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun" presents an intriguing premise and delivers a visually striking experience, though it occasionally prioritizes style over substance. Helmed by Joann Sfar and based on Sebastien Japrisot's novel, the film explores themes of identity and mystery set against a backdrop evocative of France's post-WWII history. Freya Mavor's compelling performance as Dany holds the narrative together, creating a vivid and engaging presence even when the storyline becomes convoluted. Sfar’s omission of Dany's backstory transforms her into a captivating, albeit perplexing, cinematic archetype.

The Blu-ray release is technically sound, with commendable video and audio presentation. Fans of French cinema and stylistic filmmaking will appreciate the ensemble of fascinating yet bewildering moments scattered throughout. While some viewers may find the artistic decisions distract from an otherwise cohesive narrative, others may enjoy the unique visual flair and nostalgic undertones reminiscent of simpler times fraught with unexpected danger. The included extras are limited but offer some value, although they might not add significantly to the overall experience.

In conclusion, "The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun" is an engaging, visually appealing film that plays well with themes of ambiguity and existential discovery. However, potential viewers should consider renting or exploring it through video on demand before committing to a purchase, especially if they prioritize narrative consistency over stylistic innovation.