Weekend Round-Up – Blu-Ray Review – We Need To Talk About Kevin
A bit of a change in pace this weekend in FRC Towers, the family is back so Film watching is at a minimum, but we did take in Kevin…
So all is back to normal now. My girls are all back from Wales and a family visit and home with me again. To be honest what sounds like a dream for a married man, a week home alone with no women there to rule you isn’t actually as cool as you think. I quickly got bored with watching films. the horror, and was going to bed increasingly early every night. One night I was actually in bed by 7pm!! Which is madness.
It was nice to have the break, but it was a HELL of a lot nicer to have them back. I really missed them all.
Anyway they arrived back at FRC Towers on Saturday and settled back in to routine nicely with trashy weekend TV and games. Pearly (who is 4) is a demon at bingo, I am so letting her pick the lottery numbers this weekend!! She is probably the luckiest person I have ever met!
We did manage to watch one film this weekend, the brilliant and rudely SHUNNED ‘We Need To Talk About Kevin’. Not the lightest fo films to watch but it certainly makes you realise that maybe when your kid is having a tantrum, nothing is going to be as bad as Kevin. I have taken on board though that I am NEVER buying my girls a Bow and Arrow…. EVER!!
Here is my review…
We Need To Talk About Kevin
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN (or Kevin as I am going to call it from now on as I am lazy) deals with a tragedy. But rather than talking about the weepier side of the story, KEVIN takes us on a journey with an inherent evil. The title character is almost over-the-top evil, he is the negative force in Eva’s everyday life, taking the word BRAT to a whole new level. You almost feel like he is going to unleash some Damian style supernatural madness, but Damian he is not, Kevin however is a much more real and therefore scarier manifestation of pure evil.
From the opening sequence of the film with Tilda Swinton being completely doused with over ripe tomatoes in the Tomatina Festival in Spain, I became consumed by the story. The rich imagery and colours are so intoxicating that is hard not to be. We are then thrown from this jubilent and vibrant life to the present which is very different indeed. Eva now lives clearly on the wrong side of town, all aspects of her former life are gone, except the primary RED, but it is not tomato juice now, it is in the form of painted curse words all over the front of her house. How is it that her life went from one extreme to the other? Oh yes, she had Kevin…
Tilda Swinton is mind-blowing in her performance as Eva in Lynne Ramsey’s adaptation of Lionel Shrivers novel. Eva was once a successful travel agent who would travel the world with her husband, Franklin played by John C. Reilly. Like most couples the next step is to have a child, enter KEVIN. Soon they find themselves moving out of New York into the suburbs in search of a better life. But Eva could not seem to find happiness, she struggled to connect with her son, played in his teenage form by Ezra Miller. Not only could she not connect, but she started to fear that there was something wrong with him, he seemed to be particularly spiteful and it was all directed at her. It is a hard watch for anyone, but especially as a parent. She loves him but she hates him at the same time, and to be honest I think Eva is a saint for giving him so many chances.
The film slowly reveals to use through a progression of flashbacks the demise of Eva’s happiness and Kevin’s rise as Evil incarnate. It is a modern take on a very familiar Horror story. I really enjoyed the slow burning aspect of the film, we know Kevin has done something terrible, but we do not know what it is. All we know is that it has ruined Eva’s life but she refuses to give up on her son.
Some may find the constant moving between past and present confusing, it does make it hard to grab on to the narrative, but I feel this is representative to the fractured state of Eva’s mind. In trying to piece the puzzle together you have to ask yourself the question… Is Kevin’s behavior the fault of his Mother? Or is he just pure evil? Is it Nature? Or is it Nurture? It begs the question also that are some apple just bad, and cannot be saved?
This film should be shown at schools as part of the sexual education programme, it certainly puts you off having kids!!
The Disk
The 1080p transfer is truly beautiful. The vibrant red that is evident through the duration of the film is so vibrant that it almost feels 3D. Also the DTSHD:MA soundtrack really makes stunning use of the complete soundstage, with Kevin whispering from over your shoulder and making you feel very uneasy indeed!!
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN IS RELEASED ON BLU-RAY AND DVD IN UK ON 27TH FEBRUARY 2012 BY ARTIFICIAL EYE
About The Author – Scott Lawlor
Chief Editor of FRC. A self confessed geek with an unhealthy thirst for all things Home Cinema. Whether it is the latest Action film or Subwoofer.
Have you seen this film? What did you get up to this weekend? Comment below…
Scott Lawlor
Really looking forward to seeing this, especially as it looks sweet in HD
Nice review, Scotty 2 Hottie!
Thanks Mike. I know you will like the BD as you are a HD snob!
Tilda and John, now there’s a couple that would make me never wanna see the film in cinemas. Although the story seems quite interesting, I must admit.
HEHE they do seem an odd couple, but it definitely works
I really can’t wait to see this movie. It’s one of a handful from 2011 that really piqued my interest.
I know you will like it John, I think it is right up your street
Sounds like a fascinating film. I’m going to have to pick this up. Thanks Scott.
You are very welcome matey!!
Great review! I loved the movie so much, it almost feels a little like Lynch’s movie with all the bizarre camera angles and creepy scenes. Swinton’s performance is absolutely mesmerizing, so it’s the lovely cinematography with red colour always there, somewhere in the frame.
Indeed Sati, the way it was shot is fantastic. I do love when directors use colour as a key to the film. Brilliant
Thanks for the comment
That photo of Ezra at his computer as his mother looks on is kind of eerie, there’s something in his eyes that are scary. I’m definitely going to rent this one despite the bleak subject matter.
I hope you enjoy it Ruth, I know it is not up your street, but it is good nonetheless
Nice one Scott. I loved the look of this film, and of course the acting. But I didn’t buy Reilly and Swinton as a couple.
Yesh matey, I get what you are talking about. But the films is stunning
Looking forward to checking this out. Tilda Swinton always puts on an acting clinic and the trailer made this look pretty disturbing. Good review Scott!
Thanks Castor, I know you will enjoy it… It is a hard watch but worth the effort
Well put Scott! I agree about everything except for the rating. It’s a clear 5/5!
It’s indeed visually stunning and I think that unless you watch this in a theatre, which I did, it’s a must to have good equipment for watching it at home to give it justice.
HAHA The more I think about it, the more it is edging to a 5!!
Thanks Jessica
I too have the same question about We Need To Talk About Kevin. Still a bit confused whose fault is it? It’s pretty challenging to read and thought about the story through the visuals, but I’m glad I could ‘read’ them clearly. Great write-up, Scott!
Thanks Andina, I am hoping it is Nature, as poor Eva did try her hardest!!
Tilda Swinton is a fine actress and when I get around to seeing this I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.
Great review, Scott!
Thanks Claire, I KNOW you will like it… it is tough, but worth it
I cannot wait to see this, you know I love dark slow burners and this sounds right up my street. I love seeing John Reilly in serious roles as well, he’s such an under appreciated actor. Great review!
I agree Reilly is a great dramatic actor, who has also got great comedic timing!!
Thanks for the comment matey
[This film should be shown at schools as part of the sexual education programme, it certainly puts you off having kids!!] -a classic line!
I am glad to see you rate this so highly. I still haven’t seen it, yet remained a little bit more skeptical of it until I saw it being shunned by the Oscars. Then I knew it would probably have merit.
Tilda Swinton looks torn in every image I have seen from the movie. She seemed to really take on the role. Nice review.
HAHAH I am chuffed someone picked up on that one!!
Thanks T
This is definitely one that I still want to see and haven’t gotten around to yet. The use of color that you describe sounds really amazing. Thanks for the great review!
This is yet ANOTHER one to add to my ever mountainous list of must see films. Goodness knows when I will get to it. Great assessment, Scott!
I would like for this to hit Reno before its out on DVD, but I’m losing hope at this point. Great take on the film, Scott!
Great review, Scott! Can’t wait to see this one myself.