Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Fool for Love Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 20, 2021

1985’s “Fool for Love” is a continuation of director Robert Altman’s interest in theatrical projects, allowing him to keep creating movies that favor his artistic strengths, including his work with actors. Teaming with Cannon Films (in a rare non-Chuck Norris production), Altman turns to a play written by Sam Shepard for inspiration, persuading the playwright to appear in a leading role, co-starring with Kim Basinger and Harry Dean Stanton in this story of an impossible relationship and all the psychological disease contained within it.

“Fool for Love” isn’t big on plot, electing to spend nearly two hours with broken people and the secrets they keep from themselves and one another. Shepherd takes on screenwriting duties, preserving the approach of the original play, which featured the lead characters in an extended battle for sanity, rolling through a series of extended arguments about the nature of their relationship, which isn’t revealed in full until the third act. Up to that point, “Fool for Love” spends time with heated exchanges, which almost register as advanced foreplay, while a sense of gamesmanship is also presented, as the central lovers have already cycled through his hostility many times before. Basinger and Shepard commit nicely to the mounting madness, securing the pressure of this pairing while Altman tries to get some cinematic feeling going, keeping his camerawork active, which actually manages to diminish tension along the way, pulling attention from the pure acting experience Shepard originally created.

Fool for Love Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from an older master of "Fool for Love." There's softness to contend with, which doesn't bring out the best in facial surfaces, but some light textures remain in close-ups and costuming, favoring cowboy gear and evening attire. The motel set offers decent dimension, and interior decoration is only passably discernable. Colors are acceptable, favoring hotter hues on pink neon and dresses, and blue denim. Skintones are natural. Delineation is a little clouded at times, but nothing is lost to solidification. Grain is heavy but film-like. Source is in decent condition.

Fool for Love Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix carries the mood of "Fool for Love," which basically deals with argumentative behavior from the characters. Dialogue exchanges are clear, with clean emphasis. Country tunes maintain presence on the soundtrack, and swells of orchestral offerings for melodramatic events register as intended.

Fool for Love Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Robert Altman: Art and Soul" (19:47, SD) is a 2004 interview with the director, who shares his feelings on creative growth since his first movie, recognizing that technical skill develops more that artistry. Responding to theater offerings, Altman elected to make "Fool for Love" after delivering similar endeavors with 1982's "Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean," and 1983's "Streamers." The Santa Fe location is analyzed, with the production hunting for a wide-open space to work with, eventually creating the entire motel set in the middle of nowhere, confusing traveling motorists looking for a place to sleep. Casting is highlighted, with Kim Basinger especially eager to participate in the project. The interviewee offers some thoughts on directing actors, and discusses changes he made to "Fool for Love," including the use of flashbacks. Ingmar Bergman influences are identified, and Altman investigates his drive to challenge himself with every new project.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:49, HD) is included.

Fool for Love Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Fool for Love" isn't riveting, but it's not meant to be at times, as Shepard maintains extended periods of silence for character reflection, and Altman isn't one to pursue pace, enjoying his time stewing in an unpleasant situation featuring damaged characters. There's not much oomph to the endeavor, which hits more melodramatic highs than emotional ones, but Shepard is going somewhere with the material, and this destination is sold well by Altman and the cast, getting the feature to a point of submission with some necessary lunacy and widescreen punch to make the viewing experience just a bit more exciting.