Indignation Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate's presentation of "Indignation" on Blu-ray is a masterclass in achieving a period-authentic visual aesthetic. The film is encoded in 1080p with an AVC transfer and framed in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Cinematographer Christopher Blauvelt, using the Arri Alexa, meticulously recreates the look of 1950s reversal stock, resulting in deeply textured and richly nuanced imagery. The transfer exhibits a burnished, nostalgic warmth that emphasizes browns, beiges, and yellows while maintaining exceptional clarity and contrast. The image achieves a lovely film-like feel with a slight golden glow, adding vibrancy and depth to the digital picture.

Detail levels are commendably high throughout most of the film, although there is intentional softness to some scenes as Blauvelt aimed to avoid the overly digital look of higher resolution shoots. While minor detail deficits can be observed in some dark or hazy shots, particularly in nighttime or dimly lit scenes at the hospital, overall shadow delineation remains strong. Blacks are dense, and whites are bright, with natural-looking flesh tones and lush colors, especially reds, providing surprising vibrancy. Costumes and textures are rendered faithfully, and patterns remain rock-solid with no shimmering.

The transfer is housed on a BD-25 and features healthy bitrates with no notable compression anomalies. Razor-sharp close-ups reveal intricate facial details, and the pristine source material is free of nicks, scratches, or stray marks. This meticulous transfer from Lionsgate offers a consistently high-quality viewing experience that aligns perfectly with the film’s nostalgic aesthetic.

The audio presentation of "Indignation" is delivered through a subtle yet potent DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, perfectly matching the film’s intimate style. The track excels in rendering clear, crisp dialogue, even during the most subdued exchanges, ensuring every word is easily comprehensible. This clarity is matched by the score and period music selections, which are presented with excellent fidelity, enhancing the film's setting and emotional resonance. Moreover, the subtle nuances in scenes are captured well, with a wide dynamic range preventing any distortion and solid bass frequencies providing a satisfying depth.

Although the surround activity remains minimal, the audio track effectively utilizes the front channels to create an expansive audio landscape. Key sequences like the Korean War moments and crowded chapel scenes benefit from immersive sound design, enriching these isolated yet significant scenes. Jay Wadley’s string-laden score is distributed compellingly through the surrounds, adding an emotional layer without overshadowing the dialogue. The audio track’s unobtrusive nature is perhaps its strongest attribute, seamlessly integrating into the film and supporting its narrative without drawing unnecessary attention to itself.

In sum, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track of "Indignation" provides a meticulously balanced audio experience. Its clean dialogue delivery, faithful music reproduction, and restrained yet effective use of surround channels contribute to a cohesive auditory environment that complements the film's intimate and poignant storytelling.

The Blu Ray of "Indignation" includes a modest selection of bonus features that provide insightful behind-the-scenes content, largely through interviews and thematic discussions. These extras, though brief, offer a deeper understanding of the film's narrative and its adaptation from Philip Roth's novel, shedding light on various cinematic aspects such as character development, costume design, and the influence of time and place in the storytelling. Both featurettes incorporate interviews with the cast and crew, highlighting James Schamus's distinct vision for bringing the novel to the screen.

Extras included in this disc:

• Timeless: Connecting the Past to the Present: Cast and crew members analyze the story, discuss the influence of time and place, and address the issue of assimilation.
• Perceptions: Bringing Philip Roth to the Screen: A behind-the-scenes piece delving into character analysis and costume design, featuring praise for writer-director James Schamus.

"Indignation," adapted from Philip Roth's novel, exemplifies the challenges inherent in translating literary works to cinema. James Schamus, in his directorial debut, brings Roth's tale of post-war American consciousness to life with a meticulous eye for period detail and character nuance. The film, set in the early 1950s, follows Marcus Messner (Logan Lerman), a diligent and principled young man from Newark. Through an evocative visual style and a script respectful to its source, we witness Marcus' transition to Winesburg College in Ohio, where he embarks on a turbulent journey navigating academic pressures and personal conflicts.

The narrative skillfully intertwines Marcus' romantic entanglement with Olivia Hutton (Sarah Gadon) and his ideological clash with Dean Caudwell (Tracy Letts). These dual storylines underscore themes of religious intolerance, parental control, and the unpredictable consequences of youthful rebellion. Lerman delivers a standout performance, capturing Marcus' internal struggles and aspirations with authenticity. Letts, too, commands the screen with a forceful portrayal likely to earn accolades.

However, despite Schamus' fidelity to Roth's text, the film grapples with encapsulating the novel's depth. Certain plot points are truncated or omitted, diluting some of the pivotal drama and psychological insight present in the book. The intimate first-person perspective that Roth excels at is somewhat lost in translation, leading to moments where the film fails to fully convey Marcus' internal narrative. While the direction and performances elevate the film, its occasional sterility and episodic structure can hinder emotional engagement.

"Indignation" stands as a commendable adaptation that smartly addresses significant themes within Roth's universe but falls short of harnessing the novel's full impact. The film's thoughtful approach to storytelling ensures it remains absorbing, albeit with a lingering sense that Roth's complex prose resists complete cinematic capture.

Indignation is a quiet, yet profoundly thought-provoking film adaptation of Philip Roth's novel, meticulously brought to screen by writer-director James Schamus. Set against the backdrop of 1950s America, the film masterfully evokes the complexities and underlying tensions of the era through a blend of detailed production design and evocative cinematography. The narrative eschews dramatic flourishes for a nuanced exploration of its themes, centered around the small yet impactful choices of its young protagonist.

The film is anchored by a series of stunning performances that bring depth and authenticity to Roth's sharply drawn characters. While some critics argue that the film lacks the rich texture and multifaceted impact of the novel, it's undeniable that the performances carry significant emotional weight, resonating deeply with viewers. The Blu-ray presentation from Lionsgate excels technically, offering a terrific video transfer with crisp visual fidelity and robust audio quality. Additionally, the disc includes a couple of informative extras that provide greater insight into the film's production.

Conclusion

Obviously not material for a twelve year old (as I'd hazard a guess none of Roth's material is), Indignation is thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, though the film eschews fireworks for the most part in favor of a calmer presentation of its ideas. Nicely designed to evoke a supposedly simpler time which was anything but, the film is buoyed by a host of brilliant performances. Technical merits are strong, and Indignation comes Highly recommended.