Permanent Green Light Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Permanent Green Light Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 24, 2019

On the cover of “Permanent Green Light” is press quote that claims the movie is “One of John Waters’ Top Films of 2018.” That’s a fine stamp of approval from a cultured film scholar, but also acts as a bit of a warning to those coming in cold to the picture. Writer/directors Dennis Cooper and Zac Farley try to tap into teen angst with the material, taking such concern to France, following the journey of a boy who wants to die via a large explosion. “Permanent Green Light” plays fairly seriously, but there’s evidence that perhaps it’s meant to be taken as darkly comedic. Either way, the feature isn’t something that necessarily commands attention, happy to exist in its own little realm of self-analysis and secret pain.

The mission to achieve finality through explosives drives the plot of “Permanent Green Light,” which meets an assortment of depressed friends as they attempt to express themselves while battling an inability to communicate with the outside world. They reach out through art and collecting, with the main character developing a fascination with blowing himself up, adding some shock to his final moment. There are mental health issues to be dealt with, along with traditional teen detachment, and the filmmakers are particularly interested in deadpan interactions among the boys and their confused ways.

Permanent Green Light Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation provides a clear look at the HD-shot film. Detail is strong, with numerous close-ups delivering subtleties of skin surfaces, including a fresh look at trials of adolescent acne. Locations are sharp and dimensional, and costuming retains textured fabrics. Colors are satisfactory, favoring a muted palette to fit the somber mood, but hues register as intended, finding more extreme lighting with a carnival visit. Greenery is secure, and skintones are natural. Delineation is supportive. Mild banding is periodically detected.

Permanent Green Light Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix secures the near-silent mood of "Permanent Green Light," placing emphasis on dialogue exchanges, which emerge with authority and nuance. Minimal use of music carries weight, delivering EDM thump and fullness, giving the surrounds something to work with. Atmospherics are appealing, with a clear read of nature in motion, sharp fireworks, and general interior echo.

Permanent Green Light Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview (27:34, HD) reunites writer/directors Dennis Cooper and Zac Farley with cinematographer Michael Salerno to discuss the creation and meaning of "Permanent Green Light."

• "Inside Roman's Notebook" (6:45, HD) pages through collections of the main character's art.

• And a Trailer (1:45, HD) is included.

Permanent Green Light Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Permanent Green Light" isn't an emotional odyssey, sticking close to the art-house routine of stillness as a measure of meaning. There's nothing outwardly incomplete about the effort, with tech credits sharp and performances capable, achieving exactly what Cooper and Farley are looking for. However, this is a real "your mileage may vary" viewing experience, with some viewers sure to be illuminated by this look at depression, while others might find themselves chuckling inappropriately at the semi-absurdity of it all.