Hellaware Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Hellaware Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 19, 2022

Before he took on the world of performance art in 2019’s “Project Space 13,” writer/director Michael M. Bilandic took aim at the world of contemporary art in 2013’s “Hellaware.” The helmer is clearly disturbed by the New York City art scene, using his career to satirize the pretentious and the ridiculous, this time examining a young artist’s desperation to separate himself from the competition, working with the strange darkness of an Insane Clown Posse-like rap group to inspire his latest effort to make a name for himself. “Hellaware” has a premise with potential, but Bilandic likes to keep his commentary minimal and humor bone-dry, making for a short but disappointingly slack viewing experience.

Nate (Keith Poulson) isn’t happy with the success of others, reflecting on his shortcomings as his career and love life hit a dead end. Inspired by a music video from Delaware rap group Young Torture Killaz, Nate elects to befriend the young men in makeup, soon using images from their time together to create a hot new gallery show.

There’s comedic potential in Nate’s quest to befriend Young Torture Killaz, and Bilandic gets close to pronounced humor with the photographer’s mission to make himself seem valuable to the group, including a journey to procure “purple drank” for the kids. “Hellaware” isn’t fully committed to such defined adventuring, with most of the endeavor stuck with half-speed performances and writing that’s more interested in NYC twentysomething neuroses. The picture promises broadness with art world exaggeration and rap group idiocy, but “Hellaware” doesn’t snap to attention during its short run time (73 minutes), meandering from scene to scene.

Hellaware Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers decent detail for the HD-shot feature, exploring facial surfaces and different spaces, including apartment life and gallery particulars. Colors are stable, with more varied hues on band makeup application and lighting choices, which offer brighter primaries. Delineation is satisfactory. Some blockiness is detected.

Hellaware Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix provides clear dialogue exchanges from a range of performance capabilities, keeping everything intelligible, including some mumbled lines. Music retains a supportive presence throughout the listening experience, with fuller beats and clear instrumentation. Atmospherics are appreciable as well.

Hellaware Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (22 pages) includes a forward by Abel Ferrara, an introduction by Michael Chaiken, and essays by Nick Pinkerton, Sean Price Williams, and Michael M. Bilandic.

• Commentary features writer/director Michael M. Bilandic, actor Keith Poulson, and cinematographer Sean Price Williams.

• Behind the Scenes (5:48, HD) is brief look at the creation of "Hellaware," focusing on moments involving Young Torture Killaz.

• Deleted Scenes (7:11, HD) are offered.

• "Cut Yo Dick Off" (2:03, SD) is a music video from Young Torture Killaz.

• And a Trailer (1:27, HD) is included.

Hellaware Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Contemporary art critics and New York City denizens might extract a bit more pleasure out of "Hellaware," but Bilandic isn't building to anything overwhelming with the movie, content with mild passes at comedic moments and well-worn satiric targets.