Mr. Jones Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

Mr. Jones Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 29, 2022

“Mr. Jones” presents the story of journalist Gareth Jones, who not only managed to make his way into the Soviet Union during the early years of conflict before World War II, he witnessed the ravages of the Holodomor in Ukraine, exposed to the horrors of a man-made famine utilized by Joseph Stalin to destroy the country, using its riches as “gold” to demonstrate power to the rest of the world. Such a dire tale of political exposure isn’t an easy sell, but in director Agnieszka Holland’s hands, the feature becomes a riveting study of reporting and corruption that mirrors the world’s struggles and horrors of today. “Mr. Jones” maintains a steady pace and sense of dramatic urgency throughout, giving Holland one of her most effective movies in years, and one smartly designed by screenwriter Andrea Chalupa (making a fine debut), who encourages suspense while delivering a powerful message on the value of the press.

In 1933, Gareth Jones (James Norton) is let go from his position as foreign advisor to David Lloyd George (Kenneth Cranham) after pushing for Britain to explore Stalin’s Soviet Union, then experiencing a remarkable period of growth as the Nazi threat looms over Europe. Instead of retreating to another job, Jones elects to make his way to Moscow on his own, aiming to interview Stalin and understand the power of the country. Only handed a short period of time to complete his mission, Jones aims to make connections, especially with journalist Walter Duranty (Peter Sarsgaard), the “Our Man in Moscow” writer who has access to Soviet authorities. However, Jones pushes too hard when examining a potential situation in Ukraine, electing to visit the region. Horrified by the discovery of famine and the destruction of the people, Jones is inspired to expose Stalin for the cruel dictator he is, soon finding himself targeted by a government out to silence him.

Threaded throughout “Mr. Jones” is time with author George Orwell (Joseph Mawle) as he’s working on his 1945 novella, “Animal Farm,” hashing out the details of the Stalin-inspired work concerning changes of power on Mr. Jones’s property. What might read as a heavy-handed touch is actually an effective idea from Chalupa, presenting a needed feeling of creative reporting in the making as the rest of the feature explores Jones’s frustrations with being heard. We meet the character in 1933, delivering a speech to England’s leaders on the value of exploring the Soviet Union during their rapid rise after the Russian Revolution. He’s dismissed but not discouraged, remaining curious about Stalin, making plans to interview the leader, giving the world a look at the inner workings of the notoriously secretive country. Jones is depicted as earnest, reflecting his young age, striving to clarify world powers as Germany begins to make moves in Europe, leaving Britain uneasy and on the brink of financial collapse.

Such journalistic determination drives the plot of “Mr. Jones,” following the character as he works his connections to make his way to Moscow, meeting Duranty and his assistant, Ada (Vanessa Kirby), who shares the visitor’s passion for the truth, but remains all too aware of what life in the Soviet Union is really like. Holland showcases such shadowy workings effectively, with officials monitoring phone calls, openly tailing individuals, and listening through walls, keeping tight control of information, especially anything concerning “Stalin’s Gold.” Using a past interview with Adolph Hitler as proof of integrity, Jones pushes against the Russian propaganda machine, endeavoring to visit Ukraine, which was once home to his mother years ago, when she worked as a teacher. However, before Jones sets off to find the truth, he experiences the decadence of Moscow, with Duranty fully corrupted by sexual and chemical temptations. Jones is also drawn to Ada, and, mercifully, Chalupa doesn’t wedge in a romantic subplot, instead using the longing as an expression of loneliness between two people of similar creative and political concern.

Mr. Jones Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.44:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Mr. Jones" supports the feature's dark cinematography, offering deep blacks that largely keep away from solidification. The HD-shot picture retains satisfactory detail throughout the viewing experience, capturing weary facial textures and the fibrousness of heavy costuming. Office and house tours carry clear decoration, and exterior dimension is preserved. The endeavor favors a colder palette, with grays and blacks common, along with snowscapes and woodsy interiors. Reds often cut through grimness, and golden lighting sources are appreciable.

Mr. Jones Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix provides an immersive listening event for "Mr. Jones," offering active surrounds with atmospherics, community bustle, and room tone. Dialogue exchanges are crisp and emotive, handling a range of languages and accents. Scoring cues are sharp, with excellent instrumentation and emphasis. Low-end has some real heft at times, especially during sequences involving train travel. Sound effects are distinct.

Mr. Jones Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (1:33, HD) is included.

Mr. Jones Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Mr. Jones" eventually makes its way into the thick of the Holodomor, with the reporter's eyes opened to the brutality of life in Ukraine, including cannibalism. This pain is skillfully managed by Holland, who delivers powerful imagery related to such bitterly cold suffering, while Norton offers the finest performance of his career as Jones's exhaustion turns to determination. Of course, sharing news of devastation isn't allowed by the Soviet Union, and the screenplay spends the final act highlighting the extent of corruption, pitting the truth about a seemingly prosperous egalitarian society against the might of its system of disinformation, with Jones facing an effective campaign to discredit him. While "Mr. Jones" explores such strife, it also celebrates the subject's drive to rage against the machine, aiming to find some way to deliver informational clarity in a world that's controlled by publicity. It's a powerful statement in a memorable film.