Water Drops on Burning Rocks Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Water Drops on Burning Rocks Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 6, 2024

Francois Ozon heads in a different direction for 2000’s “Water Drops on Burning Rocks,” collecting inspiration from an early play by Ranier Werner Fassbinder, who happens to share the helmer’s fascination with the breakdown possibilities of the human mind. Serving up another tale of obsession and submission, Ozon preserves the stillness of the original work, primarily focusing on a small collection of characters who spend time inside an apartment dealing with their relationship issues and levels of subservience. “Water Drops on Burning Rocks” is a character-driven viewing experience, with Ozon trying to open up the material with interesting staging, while the cast offers commitment to the writing, which takes the players in this game of power on perilous psychological journey.

50-year-old Leopold (Bernard Giraudeau) has invited 20-year-old Franz (Malik Zidi) back to his apartment, looking to get to know the young man, who isn’t sure he wants to stay. The men discuss their lives, as Franz is still dealing with his girlfriend, Anna (Ludivine Sagnier), looking for some type of escape from his daily situation. The pair embark on a relationship, but one that turns Franz into a submissive resident, tending to Leopold’s needs while they argue about responsibilities. As time passes, the living situation is complicated by the arrival of Anna, who’s making future plans with Franz, and Leopold is reunited with Vera (Anna Levine), his ex-girlfriend. This meeting creates a combustible situation for all, with Leopold claiming order, while Franz questions his place in his lover’s life.

“Water Drops on Burning Rocks” is split into four acts, with the opening detailing Leopold and Franz’s initial meeting. The older man’s intent is clear, looking to bring the younger man into his bedroom for carnal activity, and Ozon plays with this polite predatory behavior as Leopold encounters a hesitant target of seduction in Franz. The characters spend the first half of the feature getting to know each other, working out chemistry through games and conversation. There’s even a little dream analysis as well, which becomes a reoccurring visual as one of Franz’s fantasies is realized by all.

Water Drops on Burning Rocks Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.67:1 aspect ratio) presentation provides a clear look at skin particulars, with the cast often in various stages of undress during the movie. Clothing that does appear remains textured, exploring business attire and softer sweaters. Interiors are open for inspection, surveying decorative additions. Colors are alert, with a rich sense of style around the living space, while clothing carries defined reds and blues. Hair color is distinct as well. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is adequately resolved. Source is in good condition.

Water Drops on Burning Rocks Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers a straightforward listening experience for "Water Drops on Burning Rocks." Dialogue exchanges are crisp, tracking emotionality and balancing argumentative behavior. Music emerges on occasion, with sharp instrumentation. Sound effects are appreciable.

Water Drops on Burning Rocks Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features Cerise Howard and Rohan Spong.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

Water Drops on Burning Rocks Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Water Drops on Burning Rocks" remains in the apartment, exploring character collisions and growing resentment, but also displays of submission, which Ozon seems to adore. Insecurities power the second half of the feature, which leads to an unsatisfying ending and a bizarre pass at lightness as the foursome indulge in a little dance number. While there really isn't enough here to fill out a full mental health odyssey, Ozon does have a cast eager to explore these damaged people and their quest to be controlled. The acting is lively, helping the helmer land some tricky areas of engagement and irritation, making for a passably interesting inspection of personal need.