6.8 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Abandoned by their father, Victor and his little brother, Jimmy, join a community of wandering children and steal items they find at archaeological sites, but the arrival of a charming girl full of ambition disturbs Victor and the whole group.
Starring: Garance Marillier, Aliocha Schneider, Vincent RottiersForeign | 100% |
Drama | 66% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.38:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
French: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
“So Long Billie” (aka “Pompei”) appears to pursue a hypnotic viewing experience. Writer/directors Anna Falgueres and John Shank don’t have much time for storytelling with their endeavor, making room for lengthy shots of nature, open spaces, sexual connections, and naked actors. There’s little in the way of drama in the feature, but a direct assessment of motivation doesn’t seem to be the point of the movie, which chooses to exist as a cinematic mist of sorts, hoping to attract viewers interested in art-house hypnotism.
The AVC encoded image (2.38:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers clarity with a deeply atmospheric feature. Distances are dimensional throughout the viewing experience, and detail does very well with skin particulars, surveying the actors in various stages of undress. Set interiors are textured, along with displays of nature and unearthed discoveries. Colors are exact, delivering natural skintones and vibrant greenery. Sandy hues and golden sunshine is appreciable, and costuming brings out a wider range of primaries. Delineation is satisfactory. Some mild banding and blockiness is detected.
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix presents more frontal power with soundtrack selections, offering a defined beat, while scoring cues support dramatic moods well, pushing into the surrounds. Atmospherics are also mildly circular, establishing the remoteness of the locations and room tone. Dialogue exchanges are sharp, with clear emotionality. Low-end isn't challenged.
If there's a tale to tell in "So Long Billie," Falgueres and Shank largely keep it to themselves. The feature isn't interpretational, it's atmospheric, and for a movie like this to work at its highest level, there should be something more to the material than just prolonged silences. "So Long Billie" is sure to be appreciated by viewers already drawn to this type of artful endeavor, rewarded with a loose viewing experience basically offering tactile highlights. Just don't expect to be swept away by any noticeable display of warmth or personality.
(Still not reliable for this title)
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