Man of Violence Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

Man of Violence Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 25, 2015

1971’s “Man of Violence” (billed on the print as “Moon”) represents co-writer/director Pete Walker’s continuing exploration of the gangster genre, arriving soon after “The Big Switch.” Acquiring a slightly larger budget and considerably more ambition, Walker expands his scope with “Man of Violence,” trying to achieve a crisscrossing sense of antagonism and sexuality, using the dying light of Swinging London to his advantage, allowing for a darker but still unbearably paced picture that struggles to fill its permissive 109 minute run time.

The plot is expansive, following Moon (Michael Latimer) as he plays all sides during a criminal enterprise, yet Walker and co-writer Brian Comport don’t fill “Man of Violence” with incident. Instead, exposition reigns, with extended sequences devoted to the trading of last names and locations, keeping the low-budget effort obvious as Walker provides filler instead of thrills, using blasts of nudity and intimidation to remind the viewer they’re supposed to be watching something exciting. Moon’s saga of self-preservation isn’t particularly interesting, but Walker included some provocative beats, including a study of homosexuality during a time of illegality in London’s history.

Man of Violence Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.66:1 aspect ratio) presentation represents a restoration from the BFI, who manage to refresh "Man of Violence" for modern HD consumption. The boost in quality from "The Big Switch" is noticeable, offering a slightly more modern look, though scratches, speckling, and debris are detected, but never distract. Colors are secure, with costuming providing a range of hues that look comfortable and fresh, and skintones are natural. Detail is satisfactory, providing inviting textures with apartment interiors and facial reactions, while the overall movie carries a textured, filmic look. Delineation is acceptable, battling some crude day for night work in the effort's last act.

Man of Violence Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Also showing improvement over "The Big Switch" is the 2.0 LPCM sound mix for "Man of Violence." The range here is more comfortable, with crisp dialogue exchanges and clear accents, managing inherent sonic limitations adequately. Scoring is bold and supportive, with passable instrumentation, while nightclub visits carry a slightly more chaotic soundtrack presence. Atmospherics are acceptable for a low-budget production, offering group activity and changes in locales. Violent surges are defined.

Man of Violence Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Pete Walker: Man of Action" (14:58, HD) sits down with the director to discuss his work on "The Big Switch" and "Man of Violence." Both movies were created with intent to fill holes in the exploitation market, with "The Big Switch" written over a single weekend -- a fact Walker is almost ashamed to admit. Discussions of sexual repression across England during the 1960s (allowing the helmer to sell his work on T&A alone) and Walker's place in film history as a director are also included.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included.

Man of Violence Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Man of Violence" suggests homage to gangster cinema, only Walker doesn't follow through on familiar tension. Guns are drawn, threats are made, and yet the feature feels endless, never heading in any particular direction, even with a community of crooks competing for screen time.