The Film
Meryl Streep can really do no wrong. It's not an opinion; it's fact. Even when the surrounding material is lacking, she's like a shining beacon that you just can't damper. Such is the case with August: Osage County.
This is really quite a feat, given this film's lengthy A-list cast. Yes, Streep is an acting force, but Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Chris Cooper, Abigail Breslin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Juliette Lewis, Margo Martindale, Dermot Mulroney, Julianne Nicholson, Sam Shepard and Misty Upham are also packed into the film's 121 minutes. Just when you think you've seen the most famous person in the movie, another one shows up!
However, this really is Streep's show. She plays plays Violet, an incredible angry woman. It's understandable. She has mouth cancer, a drug addition and a family that's pretty miserable overall. If that isn't bad enough, her husband Beverly (Sam Shepard) has just died. This brings together the aforementioned family and puts a giant spotlight on their myriad of problems.
This isn't your typical disfunctional family tale, though. There's infidelity, incest, drug addiction, divorce, and more. You name it, this family's got it. There's even a particularly special place in hell for outsider Steve (Mulroney), who has a penchent for bad 80s music and young Jean (yes, that would be Breslin).
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tracy Letts, August: Osage County has been described as a "dark comedy." However, there's nothing too funny or all that entertaining here -- at least, not as entertaining as it should be. Sure, the film is filled with an impressive roster of acting talent that will certainly lure you into the movie. However, just about everyone here seems downright miserable and you can expect to feel the same at the end of the film.
Want to get to get a little closer to this crazy clan? Check out David Kempler's theatrical review of August: Osage County.
The Picture
This isn't a particularly pretty movie, but Anchor Bay's 2.40:1 image is a certainly good one. With the exception of Steve's red sportscar, the colors are pretty drab, even though they are very lifelike. For instance, the grass has sort of a burnt look to it, as if someone isn't taking care of the lawn very well. (Of course, Streep isn't doing that!) The black levels are one of the most noteworthy points, considering the amount of dark rooms and other imagery that's featured. That and the detail is probably the image's strongest point, showing off Meryl Streep's weathered face, Julia Roberts' worry lines, the ripples in the water, and the dryness in the surrounding scenery.
The Sound
August: Osage County is a dialogue-driven film, which the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track handles quite nicely. Even when Meryl Streep's Violet is slurring up a storm, she sounds quite clear. Once the opening credits kick in, so do the surrounds, delivering a bold version of Eric Clapton's "Lay Down Sally." That Clapton tune returns again in the film, but for the most part, the track is pretty quiet. There are some ambient sounds from the outside, the car travels, and even the arguments. It's far from a demo track, but it certainly works with this type of film.
The Extras
Final Thoughts
Wow wee, this family is depressing. In fact, you may find it hard to pick one character in August: Osage County worth routing for (Charles and "Little" Charles, perhaps?). That decision could be based on the actors listed in the credits. There are so many! If you're going to indulge, know that this release does have a pretty pleasing AV experience. Otherwise, take a deep breath and just enjoy all of the acting talent featured here.
Product Details
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