Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Carrington Blu-ray Movie Review

An engaging drama with a first-rate performance by Emma Thompson

A stirring feature about the passions of artists, Carrington is a biographical drama inspired by the life and romances of acclaimed painter Dora Carrington. The majestic experience of Carrington is one which will stay with audiences long after the end credits conclude and audiences can expect to see something that has exceptional performances from the central cast (which includes both Emma Thompson and Jonathan Pryce). Executive produced by Fabienne Vonier (Leningrad Cowboys Meet Moses), Philippe Carcassonne (The Illusionist), and Francis Boespflug (The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet), Carrington is a first-rate drama based on the book by Michael Holroyd.

The life of an artist is not always the easiest one and the path can twist and turn in unexpected ways. The headstrong Dora Carrington (Emma Thompson) is consumed by her undying love of painting and what the strokes of a brush mean to her world. Her keen visual sensibility bears a strong impact on her work. Yet her personal life is far from perfection. The path Dora takes is full of unexpected bumps in the road. When Carrington meets a brilliant writer named Lytton Strachey (Jonathan Pryce) the two become romantically intertwined as their shared love of art brings great conversations to the fold.

Lytton Strachey becomes the central figure in Carrington's romantic life throughout all the years. As the story explores their relationship and its pitfalls, the film delves deeper into the myriad of connections both of them have with other men: Ralph Partridge (Steven Waddington), Gerald Brenan (Samuel West), and Mark Gertler (Rufus Sewell). Each plays a part in the overarching story. As Carrington starts seeing other men (while still longing for Lytton despite the revelation of his own homosexual desires), the turbulent relationship continues to be the central focus of the story.

The inspiration behind the art.

There are a number of impressive elements to the production which are worth noting. The fantastic original score composed by Michael Nyman (Gattaca, The Piano) is stirring and evocative with a enveloping quality that is often quite serene. The music helps to match the performances with the undercurrent of romanticism and drama necessary for the story. The score is a first-rate effort by Nyman.

The cinematography by Denis Lenoir (88 Minutes, Demonlover) is one of the most beautiful aspects of the film. There is something magical about how the film showcases the natural beauty of the outdoor environments and the landscapes these characters are surrounded by. The radiance of the green grass impresses – as does the beauty of the production design by Caroline Amies (In the Name of the Father, Ladies in Lavender).

One of the first things audiences expect from period dramas is the possibility of impressive costumes to match the time-period styling. The costumes by Penny Rose (Evita) do not fail to disappoint on that front. It is clear that there was an enormous amount of effort which was put into the style on display (with Emma Thompson wearing a variety of fashionable costumes throughout the progression of the storyline). The high artistry of these exuberant costume designs help viewers to delve into the world of the film with ease.

Written and directed by Christopher Hampton (The Secret Agent, Imagining Argentina), Carrington is a beautiful love-letter to the artist behind the story. The inspiration is felt by the great Dora Carrington on the rich tapestry of the filmmaking. This element is something which allows for the experience to be much more fulfilling and ultimately memorable. The story itself is one that is often deeply sad and not a mere frolic-in-the-park but that is often the point of such stories. The world is full of beauty and grace (as well as struggles). Carrington experienced both aspects of life and the backstory is one that any fan of the painter will find strongly compelling. Don't miss it.

Carrington Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Carrington arrives on Blu-ray from distributor Olive Films with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. This is a pleasant presentation which is naturally filmic from beginning to end. Fine film grain is preserved. With the layer of grain on the print, the film is also remarkably clean and free from distractions like scratches, splotches, dirt, and other print detriments that are sometimes found,. This is a clean transfer which will please fans of the film.

Carrington Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Blu-ray release features a DTS-HD Master Audio stereo audio presentation. This is an enormously pleasing lossless audio track which has exceptional dialogue reproduction throughout the presentation (and which remains clear and easy to understand consistently). With excellent music clarity adding to the overall viewing experience as well, the release offers a quality sound mix that is mostly focused on dialogue but simply works wonders. Optional English subtitles are provided.

Carrington Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Carrington: A Modern Love Story (SD, 10:41) is an engaging piece featuring interviews with Emma Thompson, Johnathan Pryce, and others involved in the production of the film. There are some absorbing insights into the characters, performances, and the behind-the-scenes development of the film. This is a short piece but it is an engaging one that fans will want to experience.

Carrington Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:31)

Carrington Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There is something remarkable about the story of Carrington. The film explores both her work as an artist as well as her often turbulent love-life. The filmmaking on display is exceptional with strong performances from the cast and solid direction. The Blu-ray release features an impressive transfer, absorbing audio, and a nice supplemental feature which fans will want to experience. Recommended.