The Burnt Orange Heresy Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.0

The Burnt Orange Heresy Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman August 25, 2020

In The Burnt Orange Heresy, art does not imitate life. Rather, life directs art. The film explores the dangerous intersections of passion and possessiveness, greatness and greed as it focuses on a critic with a lust for more beyond his love of art and the decent living it's carved out for him. Written by Scott Smith (Siberia) and directed by Giuseppe Capotondi (Berlin Station), the film crafts a slow-burn portrait of obsession with self more so than appreciation for any beauty beyond.

Art critic James Figueras (Claes Bang) and his new girlfriend Berenice Hollis (Elizabeth Debicki) are summoned to meet with with art collector Joseph Cassidy (Mick Jagger) who has been hosting a reclusive artist named Jerome Debney (Donald Sutherland) whose life and work have been amongst the greatest mysteries in the art world for five decades. Cassidy is offering Figueras, whose career path in the art world has been derailed due to various missteps in his past, an opportunity for redemption and a career upswing with an exclusive interview with Debney, but there's a catch: Figueras must secure one of Debney's works for Cassidy's private collection. As Figueras becomes ever more immersed into Debney's world, he comes to learn the painter's secrets and true intentions as an artist, minimizing his opportunity to do Cassidy's bidding and propel him back into the art world spotlight.

There's an interesting juxtaposition between Debney and Figueras. The former has shied away from the spotlight. For fifty years his legacy has been defined by a simple empty frame he placed at the site of a fire that destroyed his art but not, it seems, his life. For him, art was never about the glamour, the fame, the fortune. But that's what it's about for Figueras. He knows art, he appreciates it, and he has a talent for it, both making it and critiquing it, but for him art is a means to an end, not an expression of self. And it is in those contrasting characteristics, worldview, and metaphysical makeups where the movie's drama grows and thrives.

The result is a picture of slow-burn character build and gradual revelation of each character's backstory, arc, and greater purpose in the story. It is, of course, focused on Figueras, the wayward pill popper with visions of reclaiming his rightful role in the art world, rightful in his mind's eye, anyway. The film centers on his pursuit of that vision, and it becomes apparent that he will stop at nothing to achieve that dream. The film pushes forward with several visceral moments that see Figueras pushed to his limit, and beyond, and exploring what he is willing to do to reach his dream. Smith and Capotondi push the story ahead but not to full resolution; several loose threads remain as the picture closes, leaving it up to the audience to decipher Figueras' fate in light of several quick reveals and a clear assault on his conscience.

Each of the four primary performances are excellent. Jagger is a surprise, but very good, choice as the wealthy art collector who walks that fine line between eccentricity and command of his position and power over Figueras. Where his character ends, and how he communicates with Figueras in the closing moments, make for one of the film's best moments as Figueras quickly falls into a state of inner turmoil, propelled but what he hears -- real and imagined and reading between lines -- and defined by what he fears. Claes Bang does great work as the down-and-out but determined Figueras, a man who from the opening minutes is defined by selling an illusion for a living. He's a master of his craft but one of the film's draws is his believable descent into madness as he grows closer to reaching his dream, no matter the cost to himself or to others. Donald Sutherland, who reportedly replaced Christopher Walken as Debney, brings a commanding characterization to the screen while Elizabeth Debicki holds steady to her character's somewhat mysterious place in the film.

The Burnt Orange Heresy Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The Burnt Orange Heresy's digitally sourced 1080p MOD (Manufactured on Demand) image looks fairly strong in all areas of concern. It opens with some visible macroblocking during a shot slowly pushing down a dark hallway. Noise is visible in some of the subsequent scenes too, and traces of banding are in evidence here and there throughout. But in the aggregate the picture delivers a strong, capable viewing experience, producing quality textural elements across the board. Figueras' facial hair, for example, shows its density with great clarity, ditto Debney's. Skin details are clear and revealing, clothing lines are meticulous, and the picture shows sharp command of elements around Cassidy's estate and within Debney's cottage. Colors are well defined and firm, producing positive natural greens, good clothing hues, and splashes of paint in the few instances artwork is actually visible. Skin tones appear accurate and black levels are not overly problematic.

The Burnt Orange Heresy Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There's little of note in The Burnt Orange Heresy's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Clarity is good to the limited elements, which primarily include dialogue which is always well prioritized and center positioned. Mild ambient effects around the Cassidy estate exteriors are pleasing enough, including light winds and chirping birds. Music stretches the sides well enough and delivers suitably detailed and authentic notes.

The Burnt Orange Heresy Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Sony's Blu-ray release of The Burnt Orange Heresy includes a commentary track, a featurette, and a trailer. No DVD or digital copies are included. This release does not ship with a slipcover.

• Audio Commentary: Director Giuseppe Capotondi discusses the film's themes, story, characters, performances, shooting locations, and more. He also offers and a number of interesting insights, such as Easter eggs, the original intent to set the film in the 1970s, and the relative lack of obvious technology in the film.
• Behind The Burnt Orange Heresy (1080p, 10:48): A look at the movie's tone, cast and characters, and story details.
• Theatrical Trailer (1080p, 2:06).
• Previews (1080p): Additional Sony titles.

The Burnt Orange Heresy Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Burnt Orange Heresy favors gradual release over extreme tension and thrills. It's sneakily engaging, driven by a good story, a few solid performances, quality directing, and excellent editing and pacing. Sony's Blu-ray is well-rounded, delivering quality video and audio presentations along with a couple of worthwhile extras. Recommended.