Violet Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		1.5
Overall		4.0

Violet Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 19, 2017

Grief, and its many stages of evolution, is the focus of “Violet,” which marks the feature-length directorial debut for Bas Devos (who also scripts). Following a chain of artistic freedom that wraps around the works of Bela Tarr and, soon after, latter-era Gus Van Sant, Devos devotes himself to the power of film imagery, telling as much of the story in silence, permitting cinematographer Nicolas Karakatsanis full command of the effort, dictating moods with shots that either ripple with meaning or trail off into nothingness. “Violet” is a specialized sit for a specific moviegoer, dealing with death in a manner that feels distant for much of the picture, yet the pain of loss comes surging into view periodically. While Devos gets a little too wrapped up in his process, trying to remain elusive, he certainly has a vision for the endeavor that braids art with ache, looking to make sense of personal loss.

Spending an average day at the local mall, 15-year-old Jesse (Cesar De Sutter) is sent into shock when Jonas, his best friend, is stabbed out in the open by another teenager. Left to deal with the violent situation, Jesse is hit with a reality he’s not prepared to deal with. While Jonas’s parents (Koen De Sutter and Fania Sorel) are left to pick up the pieces, struggling with the loss of their beloved son, Jesse begins his own journey of grief, unsure how to process his first encounter with mortality. His BMX-riding friends do their best to provide support, but unrest within the local bike culture makes Jesse a target of sorts, enraging some and drawing unwanted attention from others. Jesse’s parents (Mira Helmer and Raf Walschaerts) try to be patient with their child’s need for space, but remain desperate to connect with Jesse, who’s undergoing a seismic change in his life without even knowing it.

“Violet” doesn’t unfold with any type of urgency. It’s primarily an observational effort that’s made up of long takes and static shots, out to create stillness capable of being broken up by tragedy. The opening murder doesn’t occur up close, but through a bank of security screens being monitored by a guard, with Jonas’s death captured plainly, almost indirectly. It’s a horrifying moment flattened some by Devos, who doesn’t linger on the awful details of the situation, quickly moving on to Jesse, who’s left to care for his friend before authorities arrive, soon covered in blood and left in silence to process just what happened.

There’s no guidebook on how to grieve for anyone associated with Jonas, and “Violet” details the fits and fears of parents and friends who aren’t prepared to approach a teenager who’s witnessed such a heinous crime. Most of the feature highlights these quiet encounters, with Jonas’s father and mother stunned by the death but still forced to endure procedural steps that come with the claiming of a dead body, which includes disposal of their son’s bloody clothes. Jesse’s parents play it carefully, not wanting to smother the boy, but they ache to offer him physical comfort and support, observing the teen work through moods and isolation, which is periodically relived by necessary distractions such as meals and television. And there’s the BMX gang, who take Jesse out for a ride around the neighborhood, allowing him time to submerge himself in feats of bike jumping and camaraderie. However, even the purity of adolescent mischief is muddied by enigmatic hostilities from fellow riders, while one pipsqueak has the stones to show Jesse the security video, which has made its way online.

Violet Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation manages a specific viewing experience for "Violet," which makes use of sustained close- ups and static shots. Clarity is superb, granting those desiring a chance to study cinematographic efforts time to pore over every frame. Textures on facial particulars and neighborhood outings are strong, with distances preserved. Primaries are bold throughout, finding true greenery on forest expeditions and golden magic hour footage. Costuming also brings out a wider range of hues. Skintones are natural. Delineation preserves intended frame information, with the feature favoring shadow play. Source is without issues.

Violet Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

"Violet" is not a film that uses a substantial amount of dialogue. The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix mostly employs atmospherics to generate tension and preserve location, and it does so quite well. Outdoor activities retain naturalistic highlights, including the sounds of wildlife and blowing winds, and interiors retain slight echo and room movement. Surrounds aren't commanding, but they fill up the room to satisfaction, creating depth to environments and preserving group bustle. Dialogue exchanges are sharp and loud, commanding with subtle performance choices and hushed emotion. Soundtrack selections are also heavier, with one club excursion dominating with EDM power. Low-end isn't taxed in full, but there's some weight provided.

Violet Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "We Know" (11:04, HD) is a 2009 short film from Bas Devos.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:23, HD) is included.

Violet Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Violet" isn't quite like those insufferable Van Sant pictures, as it clearly has an emotional destination. It just never arrives there in a satisfying manner, playing cinematographic games with vivid imagery (the feature was shot on 65mm) that weaves light and detail, while the soundtrack supports occasionally inscrutable diversions into dreamscapes and trauma. Devos isn't crafting an intimate film, he's making an art project that touches on anguish every now and then. Clearly, there's an audience for this type of cinema, and Devos is gifted, doing a fine job arranging atmosphere and pursuing a concept of mourning that's different from the usual routine of frustrations and outbursts. But "Violet" is cold to the touch, missing a critical sense of dissection that could make all the feelings presented as powerful as the effort's presentation.