The Film
There is an old saying in Hollywood that goes something like "what I really want to do is direct" and in many cases most people should stick to what they do best. That's certainly the case for William Monahan, the Academy Award winning screenwriter for 2007's The Departed. While he was able to adapt the good Chinese film Infernal Affairs and result in the Best Picture win as well, he comes up short trying to do the Guy Ritchie thing in London Boulevard.
The story is quite clichéd, with the just-out-of-prison-but-doesn't-want-to-return-yet-keeps-getting-pulled-back-in anti-hero (Collin Farrell) trying to go straight while fending off Ritchie-like London mobsters led by character actor Ray Winstone, while a variety of not-quite-period-appropriate songs sets the tone. And yet pieces are missing, such as the deal with Farrell's character's relationship with a homeless man/former gangster, his substance abused sister and the various gangsters that serve as backdrop. Going "straight" it seems involves taking on a job and all-too-quickly falling in love with a reclusive actress (Keira Knightley), who is being stalked by paparazzi. If it sounds like confusing, it is; and while at times the ride is interesting, it feels like this one got off at the wrong stop.
The Picture
Clearly director Monahan also decided to follow the Guy Ritchie approach in the look of the film - basically making for a grainy and somewhat muted color palette to convey that sense of the seedy side of London. Visually this 1080p 1.85:1 presentation just feels soft, but this certainly seems to be the intention of the director as the blacks are deep, while skin tones and other colors are realistically accurate (albeit a tad understated as noted). Some moments such as Farrell driving around London in a Rolls Royce just pop - as the glossy blacks of the car's exterior just spring to life, so much so you could reach out and touch it (no 3D glasses required).
The Sound
While the music is a tad hot and the dialog a tad low at times, this also feels like this was intended. The English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz/24-bit) brings the classic rock soundtrack to life, and the bits of gun play have that extra punch - more so because this isn't really an action film. So when something happens you hear it, and when nothing happens there is still enough ambient sound that immerses you like any good Blu-ray should do.
The Extras
Here this package really comes up short, and maybe the bonus material is at another street - because the only extras are (seemingly endless) previews and the Making of London Boulevard. What is odd is that nothing is here about the book, and nothing about the character development.
Final Thoughts
This was clearly a "sat on the shelf" film that Sony Pictures Home Entertainment decided to release. Interestingly it actually arrived almost a year ago on Blu-ray in the UK, so better late than never - but the truth is that the film looks OK (in its own way), sounds good but lacks in story and really lacks in extras. In other words this is one that is worth catching... when it is on Cinemax at midnight!
Product Details
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