Rating summary
| Movie |  | 4.5 |
| Video | | 4.5 |
| Audio |  | 4.0 |
| Extras |  | 3.5 |
| Overall | | 4.0 |
Man Facing Southeast Blu-ray Movie Review
Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 5, 2017
Questions of insanity are analyzed throughout 1986’s “Man Facing Southeast,” which takes a borderline sci-fi concept and gives it a decidedly human perspective. It’s thoughtful work from writer/director Eliseo Subiela, who examines difficult psychological spaces and personalities, building rich characterization along the way, which defines the viewing experience. “Man Facing Southeast” is an odd picture at first, but Subiela enjoys bits of misdirection to help introduce philosophical and emotional ideas, focusing on a burgeoning relationship that battles with issues of stability.
Depressed after his recent divorce, Dr. Denis (Lorenzo Quinteros) goes about his routine at a psychiatric hospital, with his gloomy ways brightened by patient Rantes (Hugo Soto). Seemingly anchored, Rantes suggests his presence on Earth originates from another planet, offering kindness to staff and his fellow inmates, which intrigues the doctor. Mercifully, “Man Facing Southeast” doesn’t tease this alien origin for very long, zeroing in on the relationship between the men as secrets are shared and trust is built. Subiela doesn’t emphasize mystery, he celebrates communication and experience, and the feature has a graceful way with exploration, touching on love and loss along the way.
Man Facing Southeast Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) is filmic, with managed grain and compelling detail. Faces are valued during the viewing experience, and textures remain intact, while hospital interiors showcase sharp distances and spare but important set decoration. Colors are satisfactory, with compelling primaries breaking through institution drabness, and greenery is quite pleasant. Skintones are spot-on. Delineation is secure, helping with the effort's periodic interest in shadowed encounters. Source is in strong condition, with minimal speckling and scratches.
Man Facing Southeast Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is perhaps most enjoyable when slipping into a musical mood, with scoring selections livening up the listening experience, sharing sharp instrumentation with period tech limitation. Dialogue exchanges are intelligible and true, with stability to help work through performance choices, and group activity is also preserved, adding some expanse to hospital sequences. It's a simple track, but it preserves the feature's introspective mood.
Man Facing Southeast Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
- Booklet (14 pages) contains a director's statement from Eliseo Subiela and an essay by Nancy J. Membrez.
- Interview (19:58, HD) with Subiela covers the origins of "Man Facing Southeast," touching on initial inspirations and moviemaking plans. Casting choices, early short films, scoring achievements, and the picture's longevity are also covered.
- Interview (21:44, SD) with Hugo Soto is a 1993 chat with the actor, who passed away a year later.
- Interview (25:31, HD) with Ricardo DeAngelis explores the cinematographer's early interest in the material and visual ideas for "Man Facing Southeast," and various production challenges.
- A Theatrical Trailer has not been included.
Man Facing Southeast Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
"Man Facing Southeast" doesn't remain in the clouds, with the reality of the situation providing needed dramatic gravity. Subiela doesn't reach for easy manipulations, electing to treat the central relationship with the authenticity it deserves, even when it arrives at unpleasant destinations. It's a tender picture, but never mawkish, understanding the power of curiosity and connection, generating unexpected moods and revelations.
