Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Jeremy Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 14, 2021

In 1973, the state of the teen movies was still being defined. After time with juvenile delinquent and party time endeavors, the subgenre enjoyed a major evolution in the 1970s, with “Jeremy” part of a movement to make pictures for younger audiences about the highs and low of being young. Writer/director Arthur Barron looks to create something intimate with the endeavor, using his experience in documentary filmmaking to capture the nuances of new love as it develops over a few weeks, marrying such excitement with the bustle of life in the center of New York City. Barron’s efforts are helped by his eye for casting, with Robby Benson and Glynnis O’Connor providing startlingly unaffected performances, capturing raw emotion the helmer is hoping to communicate. “Jeremy” is simple, comfortable in its limited storytelling goals, with Barron looking to replicate a specific feeling of awakening hormones and new encounters, and he manages to do so with unsettling authenticity at times.

Jeremy (Robby Benson) is a sophomore in high school who’s intelligent and quiet, working hard on his cello practice to make an impression in orchestra, with hopes to take his talent to a professional level. He pals around with Ralph (Len Bari) and deals with his disapproving father, Ben (Chris Bohn), also confronted by the hectic experience of being a teenager in New York City, trying to remain focused on the future. New to school is Susan (Glynnis O’Connor), a girl from Detroit who’s working on making friends and ballet training. Jeremy is immediately smitten with Susan, but he doesn’t have a clue how to talk to the opposite sex, struggling to approach his object of affection. Finally working up the courage to communicate with Susan, the twosome embarks on a whirlwind romance that takes over their lives in a matter of weeks, leaving them exposed to the power of such an emotion connection as reality soon intervenes.

“Jeremy” isn’t about plot or character, it’s about the experience of being a teenager in love for the very first time, and having those feelings returned. Of course, Jeremy is passionate about a lot of things, and we learn more about him in the opening act, with the boy facing a friendly dismissal from his cello teacher (Leonardo Cimino), who doesn’t think his student has the proper energy for concert employment. Jeremy also faces roughness from his father, who doesn’t understand his son’s ways, making sure to dismiss the kid’s interests and skills before returning to his daily life as a marketing man. It’s a miracle the titular teen has any self-esteem at all, but such resiliency is the focus of “Jeremy,” watching him deal with the hits, acquiring unexpected clarity when he meets Susan one afternoon in school while out retrieving chalk for a teacher.

Jeremy is immediately drawn to Susan’s beauty, and Barron delights in the awkwardness of such electricity, tracking the character’s nervousness as he tries to organize a conversation, with Ralph pushing his pal to make a move. Barron is looking to generate authentic behavior with Jeremy, who’s not a nerd with a crush, but a sensitive guy hoping to connect with Susan, fumbling his way to an initial phone call. “Jeremy” isn’t played for laughs, with the production searching for a grounded understanding of attraction from two people who don’t have the practice in such areas of need. The writing soon explores their union, which moves quickly, going from shy smiles to confessional time on their very first date, emphasizing their ease with each other.

“Jeremy” tracks the development of the relationship, which involves dates and playfulness. Jeremy exposes his true self by taking Susan to a horse track, sharing his love of animals and handicapping, which is an unusual hobby to have. While it seems like months are passing for the couple, the story actually takes place just over three weeks, and the introduction of a physical relationship for the pair breaking the honeyed mood of the feature, finding Barron suddenly focused on nudity with an ill-advised tonal detour that borders on softcore nonsense. “Jeremy” is more compelling with subtle behaviors and areas of poetry (Benson and O’Connor contribute in-character songs for the picture), with the last act of the film in a race to get through the coupling and find an ending.

Jeremy Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Listed as a "New 2K restoration from its 35mm color reversal internegative," "Jeremy" makes its Blu-ray debut with an AVC encoded image (1.67:1 aspect ratio) presentation. Shot on 16mm, the movie retains its superb low-fi look, with Fun City Editions doing a remarkable job bringing the feature to HD, preserving heavy grain that remains film-like throughout. Detail reaches as far as it can go, capturing New York City distances and milder facial surfaces on close-ups. Colors are tastefully refreshed, with deep primaries throughout, including the rich blueness of bedroom carpeting and the redness of Jeremy's clothes. Street scenes examine colder concrete environments, with brighter signage cutting through the urban appearance. Skintones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Source is in strong condition, with some mild debris and scratches.

Jeremy Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix delivers a clear listening experience, exploring dialogue exchanges with comfortable emphasis. Emotional offerings are easy to follow, and competition from background noise doesn't drown out performances. Music is distinct, with soundtrack selections offering a slightly more aggressive volume that works for the track. Orchestral additions are just as defined, with crisp instrumentation.

Jeremy Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (10 pages) features an essay by film historian Bill Ackerman.

• Intro (:47, HD) presents actress Glynnis O'Connor, who details the story of "Jeremy."

• Commentary features film historians Kat Ellinger and Mike McPadden.

• "Susan and Jeremy" (21:06, HD) is an emotional interview with stars Robby Benson and Glynnis O'Connor (recorded separately), who both detail their early acting ambitions and casting story for "Jeremy," with Benson coming off a burgeoning stage and film career. With both of the performers were just teenagers when they shot the movie, acting was instinctual, with a real relationship forming between Benson and O'Connor during the shoot, resulting in a romantic partnership that carried on for a few years. A discussion of director Arthur Barron's documentary shooting style is shared, along with memories of New York City as it was in 1972, with both interviewees aware of street dangers. A realistic sense of emotion was the goal of "Jeremy," and the feature's unique ways paved the way to a Cannes Film Festive appearance, with Benson and O'Connor marveling over such a wonderful experience.

• "A Phantom of Delight" (8:25, HD) is a video essay prepared by Chris O'Neill.

• Photo Gallery (5:19) collects poster art, publicity shots, and film stills.

• "Trailers from Hell" (3:21, HD) is hosted by Larry Karaszewski, who shares his love for "Jeremy," quickly recalling its release history, his favorite scenes, and additional work from Robby Benson and Glynnis O'Connor.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:25, HD) is included.

Jeremy Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Jeremy" perfectly captures teen insecurities and confusion, and while it teases some last act melodrama, Barron doesn't go overboard with the resolution, remaining true to his vision of observance. It's an impressive directorial achievement, capturing universal feelings of hesitation and joy that come with first-time love, mixing such emotional intensity with the bustling movement of New York City. It all helps to make "Jeremy" distinct in a subgenre that often rewards sameness.