Region: 0
Country of Release: United Kingdom
Country of Origin: France
Distributor: Arrow Films
Pros:
- A decent and interesting storyline.
- Some beautiful looking shots by cinematographer Jean Rabier.
- The sadistic and darker scenes are handled excellently from the way they are shot to the acting.
- Fabio Testi is always awesome.
- Sound quality is fine and we have the original French mono track in DD.
Cons:
- Some of the scenes are obviously time wasters and pull the film down a little.
- Not in the original aspect ratio of 1.66:1, but 1.78:1.
- Where the hell are the extras?
The Film:
Nada is the name of a small French terrorist group that are operating from Paris. The main storyline to the film is that Nada kidnap an American ambassador from a Parisian brothel, keeping him in a farmhouse, isolated from the rest of the world, whilst they wait for an answer to their demands. As the film progresses however, we learn that as the police close in on rescuing the ambassador, they are a lot less concerned about rescuing him, and a lot more concerned about eliminating the terrorists so that can turn the event to their own political advantage. The one thing I really enjoyed whilst watching this political thriller, was the way that Chabrol batters your mind thinking about who is in the right and who is in the wrong (Nada or the authorities). You know, deep inside, that the authorities are obviously in the right, but as you see their ruthless way of questioning people and the downright barren way in which they try and move forward in the search, you almost feel sorry for the terrorist group. By showing us the relentless passion from both sides of the coin, Chabrol gives us a film that after watching, you really think about.
During the film there are some fantastic shots from cinematographer Jean Rabier, who has worked with Chabrol on many films.
The acting ranges from average to excellent with the more sadistic and heavy handed scenes being handled magnificently. The more dialogue driven scenes, where not as much passion is needed, are unfortuantely overlong and dull. This is the main downfall of the film for me. I think if the actors had put a little bit more effort in these scenes, the film would've been a lot more appealing and my mind wouldn't be starting to drift away at all. The main cast members are Fabio Testi, Mariangela Melato, Maurice Garrel and Michel Duchaussoy.
An above average film with some very hit and miss scenes, I recommend you get this if you are really into political thrillers. If you're not, then rent it first. Either way, it shouldn't be missed.
The DVD:
Video:
Arrow Films have given us an anamorphic transfer presented at 1.78:1 which is slightly off from the OAR of 1.66:1. The transfer has been cleaned reasonably well with few signs of grain. Interlacing and telecine wobble was not present to my eyes. The colours throughout the film are dark, and the print keeps that sort of edginess to it. All in all a good effort but could've made a better effort getting rid of the rest of the grain.
Audio:
Only one audio track to report of, but it's the original French Dual Mono track which is a-ok. The audio levels are consistent and dialogue is clear at all times (as are the English subtitles). Due to the film being very dialogue driven this track is as good as you need it to be (though let's be honest, a 5.1 track rarely goes amiss).
Extras:
Unfortunately this is the major downfall of the disc. We have been given Nada (geddit :wink: ) extras wise. Not even a trailer. I'd have liked an audio commentary with a film historian so that I could find out more about the undertones of the movie and some bonus trailers for other Chabrol films from this collection. Shame to let down an otherwise, good disc.
