| Reviews & Columns |
|
Reviews DVD TV on DVD Blu-ray 4K UHD International DVDs In Theaters Reviews by Studio Video Games Features Collector Series DVDs Easter Egg Database Interviews DVD Talk Radio Feature Articles Columns Anime Talk DVD Savant Horror DVDs The M.O.D. Squad Art House HD Talk Silent DVD
|
 DVD Talk Forum |
|
|
| Resources |
|
DVD Price Search Customer Service #'s RCE Info Links |
|
Columns
  
 
|
|
|
Saint Jack
List Price: Unknown [Buy now and save at Amazon]
Review
Features:Digitally remastered widescreen (approx. 1.85:1). Audio: English (2.0 mono). Theatrical trailer. Director's commentary, cast biographies, Peter Bogdanovich interview, coming attractions
The Movie
One of Peter Bogdanovich's finest films, "Saint Jack" brought the acclaimed director back from erratic success in Hollywood to his economical roots with producer Roger Corman – back to filmmaking inspired by Bogdanovich's idols and mentors, Orson Welles and John Cassavetes, who had always encouraged the young Bogdanovich to make films that were substantial but inexpensive. Based on the Paul Theroux novel and shot entirely on location in Singapore, the film is a sublte, engrossing character study about Jack Flowers (a perfect role for Ben Gazzara), an American pimp in Singapore in 1973, who lives by an unspoken code of honor; he's not your typical sleaze, and conducts his business respectfully, playing host to a variety of customers including British businessmen (including Denholm Elliott, superb as usual) and American soldiers on leave from the war in Vietnam.
To the casual observer, nothing much happens in "Saint Jack," and the film's narrative is entirely relaxed and nearly bereft of exposition. And yet, the drama unfolds largely through the behavior of characters and their familiarity with the hot, humid environs of Singapore. Like "The Year of Living Dangerously," this is one of those films that completely immerses you into its place and time, with an almost documentary style employed by ace German cinematographer Robby Müller. While the film provides subtle criticism of the Vietnam war, and the dubious role of Americans in Asian countries, the only real conflict is the threat of the local Singapore hoods who threaten Jack's business, and Bogdanovich himself adds a touch of intrigue as a covert Army operative. But what makes "Saint Jack" so fascinating is the total authenticity of the settings and characters; Gazzara inhabits his role as if he IS Jack Flowers, and the often improvised dialogue rings true throughout, along with the casting of non-actors to enhance the movie's casual realism. The overall impression is that the conditions of the production—small budget, big talent—brought out the very best from everyone involved.
The Picture
Being a New Concorde DVD release from Roger Corman (i.e. with an emphasis on economy), it's not surprising that "Saint Jack" shows quite a few print scratches, but they're mostly limited to the heads and tails of reels, and for the most part this film has been accurately mastered. Colors and flesh tones are accurately rendered, and variations in quality occur only during dark night scenes or dimly lit interiors. The DVD approximates the look of a theatrical print that's weathered a bit of use, but nothing that would prompt serious complaint.
The Sound
As with the picture quality, the soundtrack is no-frills but entirely adequate. Any audible his, pops and clicks are inherent in the source material, which is as clear as you're likely to find. This is not an elaborate production, and the original sound was well recorded, so the back-to-basics soundtrack—which includes several Louis Armstrong songs—is quite satisfactory.
The Extras
Better than you might expect. Not only is there a worthwhile commentary by Peter Bogdanovich, but an additional on-screen interview allows the director to go into greater detail about the film and his history with low-budget producer Roger Corman. These two features are welcomed, while the rest—trailer, cast bios, and trailers for other New Concorde DVDs—are strictly standard fare.
Conclusion
Definitely worth a rental if you're attracted to fine acting, unorthodox character studies, and authentic use of exotic locations. Worthy of purchase as one of Peter Bogdanovich's best, most enduring films.
Features:Digitally remastered widescreen (approx. 1.85:1). Audio: English (2.0 mono). Theatrical trailer. Director's commentary, cast biographies, Peter Bogdanovich interview, coming attractions
The Movie
One of Peter Bogdanovich's finest films, "Saint Jack" brought the acclaimed director back from erratic success in Hollywood to his economical roots with producer Roger Corman – back to filmmaking inspired by Bogdanovich's idols and mentors, Orson Welles and John Cassavetes, who had always encouraged the young Bogdanovich to make films that were substantial but inexpensive. Based on the Paul Theroux novel and shot entirely on location in Singapore, the film is a sublte, engrossing character study about Jack Flowers (a perfect role for Ben Gazzara), an American pimp in Singapore in 1973, who lives by an unspoken code of honor; he's not your typical sleaze, and conducts his business respectfully, playing host to a variety of customers including British businessmen (including Denholm Elliott, superb as usual) and American soldiers on leave from the war in Vietnam.
To the casual observer, nothing much happens in "Saint Jack," and the film's narrative is entirely relaxed and nearly bereft of exposition. And yet, the drama unfolds largely through the behavior of characters and their familiarity with the hot, humid environs of Singapore. Like "The Year of Living Dangerously," this is one of those films that completely immerses you into its place and time, with an almost documentary style employed by ace German cinematographer Robby Müller. While the film provides subtle criticism of the Vietnam war, and the dubious role of Americans in Asian countries, the only real conflict is the threat of the local Singapore hoods who threaten Jack's business, and Bogdanovich himself adds a touch of intrigue as a covert Army operative. But what makes "Saint Jack" so fascinating is the total authenticity of the settings and characters; Gazzara inhabits his role as if he IS Jack Flowers, and the often improvised dialogue rings true throughout, along with the casting of non-actors to enhance the movie's casual realism. The overall impression is that the conditions of the production—small budget, big talent—brought out the very best from everyone involved.
The Picture
Being a New Concorde DVD release from Roger Corman (i.e. with an emphasis on economy), it's not surprising that "Saint Jack" shows quite a few print scratches, but they're mostly limited to the heads and tails of reels, and for the most part this film has been accurately mastered. Colors and flesh tones are accurately rendered, and variations in quality occur only during dark night scenes or dimly lit interiors. The DVD approximates the look of a theatrical print that's weathered a bit of use, but nothing that would prompt serious complaint.
The Sound
As with the picture quality, the soundtrack is no-frills but entirely adequate. Any audible his, pops and clicks are inherent in the source material, which is as clear as you're likely to find. This is not an elaborate production, and the original sound was well recorded, so the back-to-basics soundtrack—which includes several Louis Armstrong songs—is quite satisfactory.
The Extras
Better than you might expect. Not only is there a worthwhile commentary by Peter Bogdanovich, but an additional on-screen interview allows the director to go into greater detail about the film and his history with low-budget producer Roger Corman. These two features are welcomed, while the rest—trailer, cast bios, and trailers for other New Concorde DVDs—are strictly standard fare.
Conclusion
Definitely worth a rental if you're attracted to fine acting, unorthodox character studies, and authentic use of exotic locations. Worthy of purchase as one of Peter Bogdanovich's best, most enduring films.
|
| Popular Reviews |
| Sponsored Links |
|
|
| Sponsored Links |
|
|
| Release List | Reviews | Shop | Newsletter | Forum | DVD Giveaways | Blu-Ray | Advertise |
|
Copyright 2024 DVDTalk.com All Rights Reserved. Legal Info, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use,
Manage Preferences,
Your Privacy Choices 
| |||||||