La vie de Jésus Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

La vie de Jésus Blu-ray Movie Review

A thought-provoking exploration of good and evil

A compelling drama with sophisticated commentary interwoven beneath the surface, La vie de Jésus (The Life of Jesus) explores a group of troubled youth living out their lives in France. The misfit young men (none of whom have any form of employment), all skate through their existence while riding on motorcycles, listening to music, and wrecking havoc in the lives of others around them. Freddy (David Douche) has epilepsy and is one of the central figures in the crass group. Produced by Rachid Bouchareb (Living in Paradise) and Jean Brehat (West Beirut, Little Senegal), La vie de Jésus is worthy of exploration as a compelling slice of world cinema.

Throughout his day-to-day life, Freddy converses with his mother (who scolds him for not seeking any work) and has casual sex with his beautiful girlfriend Marie (Marjorie Cottreel). The story unfolds as a slice-of-life drama focusing on small moments within these characters lives: working on car repairs, playing in their local band, and going out to eat. Yet there's a darker layer to the story which unfolds. The story explores the young men and their outward racism to immigrants and their sexual assault of a young woman. As the story progresses, the darkness within these characters is explored: evil which is beneath the surface.

A Darkness Within

One of the aspects of La vie de Jésus which sets it apart is the performances. David Douche and Marjorie Cottreel are both nonprofessional actors in their respective parts. While neither one of these performers have another credit to their name in the world of film, the work done in this feature does showcase their unique gifts as actors. Douche is dark and brooding while Cottreel bounces off of his performance with total aplomb. Viewers are brought into the lives of these characters and the actors convey both moments of light and darkness within the existences of Freddy and Marie that the end result is a more compelling narrative.

The feature-film debut of writer-director Bruno Dumont (Flanders, Camille Claudel 1915), the filmmaker showcases his unique gift as a visual artist right from the start. This is clearly the work of someone who has a great understanding of the art and craft of filmmaking. The level of creativity on display is superb and the stylistic flourishes on display at every turn make this a visually compelling experience. Dumont heightens the storytelling through use of some ace collaborators: music by Richard Cuvillier (L'humanité, Xueiv) and gorgeous cinematography by Philippe Van Leeuw (Demented, Stable Unstable).

One interesting aspect of this filmmakers style is the frequent use of wide shots and the way movement is conveyed in the story. As a director, Dumont paints his canvas with his camera and the way in which movement is frequently emphasized on motorcycles as they breeze across the countryside is energetic and hypnotic. There is a real sense of energy and urgency in every frame. Last but not least, the film delves into social commentary by exploring the racism that these young men bring against Arab immigrants. Dumont wants viewers to ponder this darkness and to confront it head-on. The frank approach to delving into such an important theme and reflecting said darkness in society is a breath of fresh air and makes La vie de Jésus even more memorable by journey's end.

La vie de Jésus Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

La vie de Jésus arrives on Blu-ray from Criterion with a presentation in the original 2.35:1 widescreen theatrical aspect ratio. The 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation looks impressive throughout and showcases the artistry of the cinematography. The film has received a 4K restoration from the original 35 mm camera negative and retains the naturally filmic image from start to finish. The new restoration effort for this transfer was supervised by director Bruno Dumont.

Approved by Dumont, La vie de Jésus retains film grain throughout and the quality of the image looks absolutely terrific. Though there is a bit of inherent softness in the image (which appears to be source related) the transfer is superb and is free from distracting wear and print damage. This is a beautiful looking scan of the film and it is a great showcase for the mastery of Dumont's visual aesthetic. The visually sumptuous landscapes (which showcase the road and the natural outdoors) provide a glimpse into a time and place with precision. Another superb 4K restoration effort from Criterion which makes the mark.

La vie de Jésus Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The audio on this release is presented in 24 bit uncompressed French PCM 2.0 stereo. The lossless high-resolution audio track which is accompanying the feature sounds terrific with great dialogue reproduction and a soundstage capably producing the natural environmental sounds with ease. The Criterion Collection has done another terrific job with their restoration efforts.

A note from the Criterion leaflet: "The original stereo soundtrack was remastered from the two-inch 24-track magnetic tape." From hearing the sounds of the bikes racing down the barren streets to the bustling sounds of the group of young men, the track has crisp definition which greatly enhances the experience. A superb lossless audio track that matches the impressive video presentation.

La vie de Jésus Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Bruno Dumont (HD, 15:46) is interviewed in a piece conducted with the Criterion Collection in 2019. The interview features the acclaimed filmmaker as he discusses his approach to storytelling. Dumont expresses his own perspective with fascinating insights. He discusses the way in which the film is an exploration of struggles between good and evil and the demons he wants viewers to confront within themselves.

Le Cercle De Minuit (SD, 26:18) is a roundtable interview which features director Bruno Dumont as he delves into his artistic pursuits with La vie de Jésus and what he wanted audiences to take away from the viewing experience. Featuring two separate interviews taken from the television series Le Cercle De Minuit, host Laure Adler leads the interviews with sophistication.

In addition to views from the director, members of the cast participate in the discussion. The first segment included in this supplemental feature originally aired on May 14, 1997. The second segment was originally broadcast on June 3rd 1997. Each of the two interviews offers viewers an expanded glimpse into the mind of the filmmaker, the cast, and the importance of the film.

Philippe Rouyer (HD, 39:16) is a sit-down discussion between La vie de Jésus director Dumont and film critic Rouyer. The duo discuss Dumont's process in making cinematic art. There are rewarding insights to be found with this engaging featurette. The lengthy piece offers fans of the filmmaker more great details about the process used in making the film and any viewer impressed with La vie de Jésus should consider it to be a must-see discussion.

Theatrical Trailer (HD, 1:43)

Leaflet featuring writing on the film by Nicholas Elliott, cast/crew credits, transfer notes, acknowledgments, and more.

La vie de Jésus Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

La vie de Jésus is powerful filmmaking which asks viewers some serious questions about the nature of racism and the destructive path which is taken with blind hatred engaged in society. Dumont explores the nature of good and evil in the story and builds to a conclusion which is altogether stunning. The themes that are explored are remarkably vital. Dumont offers no easy answers and wants viewers contemplating the film long after the credits have rolled.

The Criterion Collection release includes an impressive 4K restoration supervised and approved by director Bruno Dumont. There are a number of fascinating supplemental materials included which are thought-provoking and engaging. This is an impressive package. The release comes highly recommended.