Ain't it crazy?

In the case of Betty Blue (37̊2 le matin, 1986) it really is. Or, at least, it happens to make craziness get quite a bit crazier.

Zorg (Jean-Hugues Anglade- La Femme Nikita, Killing Zoe) meets Betty (Beatrice Dalle- Trouble Every Day, I Can't Sleep) and his world changes. Working as a handyman for some seaside resort bungalows, Zorg's ambitionless life is woken up by the passionate and volatile Betty. The two become consumed by each other. Betty fuels the long dead fires in Zorg and even really starts them by burning down their bungalow and assaulting his boss. The two move on and get jobs at a restaurant. Betty pushes Zorg to pursue his dream of being a writer, typing up his manuscripts, and so insistent about her lovers literal brilliance that she assaults publishers who reject his work. Zorg begins to realize that underneath Betty's surface passions is mental instability, and as Betty begins to spiral into insanity Zorg is committed to trying to save her.

Betty Blue was a huge international hit, and I'd say it would be among the films that defined French cinema of the 80's. Director/writer Jean-Jacques Beineix is also responsible for another film I'd put into the category, Diva, which was initially released to a cold reception in France but went on to become a cult classic everywhere else. Betty Blue fared much better and remains his most applauded work, not only garnering big box office but several critical and festival awards, including a Best Foreign Film Oscar nomination.

The performances are all very winning but the real standout is Beatrice Dalle. It really is a role fit to make people stand up and notice. Its almost like a distillation of all the elements that usually lead to an actress getting attention (flesh baring sexiness, emotional tantrums, sweetness, and mental breakdown) into one role. It says a lot that Zorg really gets the most focus in the film, but she, like her character, really invests the film with life. It is a pretty telling sign that as she spirals out of control and becomes more withdrawn the film gradually loses its footing. She really is the spark that keeps it going.

Now, as time has gone by, the film does feel just a tad dated and uneven. Especially this version, the directors cut, which includes an extended robbery sequence that slows the end of the film. The sexuality on display and casual full frontal nudity isnt nearly as taboo as it was for the mid-80's arthouse crowd. But, thanks to some good direction and committed acting from the leads, it is a very believable scenerio of enduring love and inescapable insanity.

The DVD: Columbia

Picture: Anamorphic Widescreen. Now, I own the French release from a few years back. This edition looks pretty much the same. Sort of an average transfer- a decent print, a few little quirks, mostly to do with age, not quite as stunning as it could be, but it still certainly gets the job done. The color pallette of the film is almost comic bookish, filled with striking hues of brilliant blues, reds, and yellow. The most major complaint comes in the from of some grainier than they should be low level contrast night scenes that are just a tad rough around the edges. Technical complaints are minor. Again, a decent print and a decent transfer.

Sound: Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 , English or original French language with optional English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese subtitles. Good presentation, everything comes through quite clear and natural, especially the score.

Extras: Nuttin.'

Conclusion: A good presentation of a very applaudable, and potentially classic, foreign film. The barebones presentation is a letdown. It would have been nice for a double-sided or two-disc version with the cut version. Still, a good purchase for foreign film fans looking for a little romance and a little tragedy.