The Film
From the opening scene of a party that only happens in a movie fantasy, it is hard not to think of writer Bret Easton Ellis' previous stories of decadence and overindulgence, notably Less Than Zero. But while that movie was released in 1987, it actually feels less dated than The Informers. This later film attempts to recreate the decade with too many over-the-top haircuts, skinny ties and shiny suits - basically every 80s cliché you can imagine.
Not so much a story-driven plot, this is instead reminiscent of a Robert Altman montage, with several intersecting plotlines - where few are resolved and some are just senseless. The result is a film that is so empty it is far less than zero.
The Picture
Why is it when a movie is made about 1940s or 1950s Los Angeles the look is classic and almost timeless, but 1980s L.A. always looks like a never ending party that is somehow oversaturated in its color presentation while being muted at the same time? Instead of a realistic look of the City of Angels, this film evokes memories of what we imagine 80s L.A. "must" have looked like thanks to watching too many 80's videos. This 80s video-esque look is perhaps fitting considering the title of the film, and book it was based on, which comes from one of the character's bands.
And while all this is presented with your standard 2.40:1 1080p transfer, several scenes are grainy and filled with artifacts and other digital noise. While the bright colors in some scenes might be too much for the eyes, it shouldn't be too much for your HDTV. But this particular Blu-ray's picture doesn't seem to be any better than the technology of the decade upon which it was based.
The Sound
One good thing can be said about The Informers: its soundtrack is filled with classic 1980s New Wave songs, which could be a blast from the past for anyone who spent too much time watching MTV in that era. In fact, the music plays an important part in establishing the mood and feel of the film. But the accompanying score seems a bit too hot and loud in some sequences, almost to the point of overpowering the fairly downbeat story. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track is otherwise hardly noteworthy. While the dialog is clear, there is little else in the way of surround sound to take advantage of what Blu-ray has to offer.
The Extras
There is a director and cast commentary track, but even director Gregor Jordan's insight is light on anything meaningful about the film. And the "Human Intersections" making-of featurette simply goes through the motions - much like some of the characters in the film. The tacked-on feeling of the extras makes me think that someone realized, "Hey, these Blu-ray things usually have extras" and so, this one has 'em too.
Final Thoughts
Were the 1980s really like this? Was it really a decade of shallow people, sex, drugs and bad music videos? It has been said if you can remember the 80s you didn't enjoy them, but this film suggests that if you lived through this lifestyle and survived that it would be an accomplishment. Too bad living through the Blu-ray is almost as much of an accomplishment.
Where to Buy
Product Details
- Actors: Billy Bob Thornton, Kim Basinger, Winona Ryder, Mickey Rourke, Chris Isaak, Amber Heard, Austin Nichols
- Director: Gregor Jordan
- Audio Languages: English Dolby TrueHD 5.1
- Subtitles: English SDH
- Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
- Number of Discs: 1
- Rating: R
- Studio: Senator
- Release Date: August 25, 2009
- Run Time: 98 minutes
- List Price: $34.98
- Extras:
- Director and Cast Commentary
- Human Intersections: Making The Informers
