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Click above to purchase "Shadows and Fog" at
amazon.com
Shadows and Fog
review by Zach B.
Rated PG-13
Studio: MGM
Running Time: 85 minutes
Starring Woody Allen, Kathy Bates, John Cusack, Mia
Farrow, Jodie Foster, Fred Gwynne, Julie Kavner, Madonna,
John Malkovich, Kenneth Mars, Kate Nelligan, Donald
Pleasence, Lily Tomlin
Written and Directed by Woody Allen
Retail Price: $19.98
Features: Theatrical Trailer, Collectible Booklet
Specs: 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, English Mono,
French Mono, Spanish Mono, English Closed Captions, French
Subtitles, Spanish Subtitles, Scene Selections (16
Scenes)
Kleinman (Woody Allen) is a bookkeeper who is awakened
one night by a vigilante group to help capture a killer who
strangles his victims. However, Kleinman doesn't know what
he should exactly do. He soon meets Irmy (Mia Farrow) when
the circus comes to town, who is running away from her clown
boyfriend (John Malkovich). However, when he doesn't expect
it, the whole killer thing comes back to him and it's time
for Kleinman to go right into the shadows and fog.
"Shadows and Fog" is Allen's homage to German
expressionist cinema, and it's a very enjoyable film. It's
in black and white, and while it may seem dark it is very
funny. The scenarios and situations are quite interesting,
while the characters themselves are unique and well
developed. This is one of Allen's most original films. The
dialogue and moments are great, and it goes out at a quick
pace. It's a very entertaining and interesting film that a
lot should enjoy if they check it out, Allen fans or not.
There's also some interesting themes and metaphors within
the context. It's a mysterious and fantasy-driven film
sortof. The movie has a lot of elements and areas that come
together.
Allen has a great, legendary cast for this one and the
acting is very natural and good. Allen is his usual fun and
quirky self, while Mia Farrow is good as Irmy. John
Malkovich has solid delivery and is very unique as the clown
(I like Malkovich as an actor), while Julie Kavner and
Madonna offer some solid performances too. Lily Tomlin and
Jodie Foster also pop up. There's a lot of great acting and
great moments in this movie. It's not for everyone, but it
is unique and I suggest you don't miss it. One of Allen's
more developed, intriguing and finer films.
The 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer is fantastic.
It is very sharp, there's a little grain and blemishes pop
up here and there, the same thing for pieces of dirt and
scratches. Black levels are sold too, and the black and
white look and feel to it is very nice. This is a solid MGM
transfer that works well and creates the chilling, eerie and
moody points of the film.
The English mono track really surprised me. Fidelity is
pretty high and the sounds in this movie are great. Nothing
overpowers the dialogue, which sounds clear, sharp and
crisp. No distortion or anything there. The music sounds
alive and adds to the movie while sounds such as footsteps,
crowds and doors closing sound great. A great mono track,
believe it or not that I found impressive. Classic Allen
mono does work. French and Spanish mono tracks are also
included, plus English closed captions and French and
Spanish subtitles.
A very informative keep case collectible booklet is
included, plus the nice Theatrical Trailer in full
frame.
A very unique film from Allen that his fans will enjoy
plus those who have open minds and are willing to give
something a chance. World film lovers should eat this one
too. With a good sense of mystery and a nice touch of
comedy, and good writing and acting plus directing, "Shadows
and Fog" is one great movie from Allen that sure does
please.
 (4/5 - NOT included in
final score)
 (4.5/5)
(4/5)
 (.5/5)
 (3.5/5, NOT an average)
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