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Wednesday, February 9, 2011
BLU-RAY REVIEW
Tamara Drewe
Ribald Tales From The
English Countryside
Gemma Arterton as the title character in Stephen Frears' tragicomedy "Tamara
Drewe".
Sony Pictures Classics
by
Omar P.L. Moore/PopcornReel.com
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Wednesday,
February 9, 2011
New this week on Blu-Ray and DVD in the U.S. and Canada, Stephen Frears'
tragicomedy "Tamara Drewe" is a rip-roaring delight. Mired in an avalanche
of films last October, the film is set in the English countryside over one year
and follows the exploits of the title character played by
"Quantum Of Solace"
star Gemma Arterton.
Based on the graphic novel by Posy Simmonds, "Tamara Drewe" comes alive
colorfully as a bawdy, full-blooded farce about misunderstandings and the
fantasy and allure of fame. Comedy works well when it is bourn of
misinterpretations, and in Mr. Frears' film written by Moira Buffini, comedy and
satire are at its best. "Tamara Drewe" marks a radical departure from what
Mr. Frears has done before in his career ("The Queen", "Dangerous Liaisons", "My
Beautiful Launderette".)
The focal point of the affairs on display in "Tamara Drewe" is a cottage home headed by Beth (Tamsin
Grieg) and the pompous, self-absorbed author Nicholas (Roger Allam). They
host several writers on a retreat, including an American novelist (Bill Camp).
Tamara herself returns to the countryside years after being a pre-teen ugly
duckling with a nose-job. Her re-emergence causes a stir of gossip,
curiosity and a measure of urban legend.
Three characters get introspective. One questions why they allow
themselves to be a doormat. Another wonders why they keep making the same
mistakes. Yet another asks why they wander in search of greener pastures.
There's an adorable Greek chorus of two "wannabe famous" schoolgirls, one of
whom, Jody (Jessica Barden), is obsessed with Ben (Dominic Cooper), a drummer in
a rock band that gets the kind of screams Justin Bieber is accustomed to.
Directed with playful flair, "Tamara Drewe" never takes itself too seriously.
Most of the actors wink knowingly from the stage they are placed on.
Alexandre Desplat, the world's most in-demand music composer, delivers a
sweetly-attuned light score full of cheer and buoyancy, which fits the
cartoonish characters to a tee. The ensemble of actors are perfectly
pitched for this cozy, countryside caper. Ms. Arterton exhibits wisdom and
a plucky sexiness in the title role. Her character is sharp, shrewd and
almost always in command. Funny and sobering, "Tamara Drewe" is handled
well.
On Blu-Ray the results are eye-popping. Presented in 1080p high-definition
2.40:1 aspect ratio, greens and other colors are distinct. Mastered in
Dolby Digital 5.1 audio in the English and French languages, the disc has
English, French and Spanish subtitles.
The special features on the "Tamara Drewe" Blu-Ray disc are an audio commentary
with co-stars Ms. Arterton and Luke Evans who laugh their way through the film, plus the featurettes "Making Tamara Drewe" and
"Reconstructing Tamara Drewe", which on the surface sound like the same thing,
but aren't once you view them. The disc also has the film's theatrical
trailer as well as previews of upcoming or current Blu-Ray releases from Sony
Pictures Classics and current theatrical releases.
"Tamara Drewe" brings laughs and lively entertainment. It is well worth
two hours of your precious time.
With: Charlotte Christies.
"Tamara Drewe" is rated R by the Motion Picture Association Of
America for language and some sexuality. The film's running time is one
hour and 51 minutes.
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