MSRP: £17.99
To Sleep with Anger Film Review
Charles Burnett's acclaimed 1990 drama sees a very different turn from Danny Glover than the same year's Predator 2.
A simmering portrait of intra-culture clashes, finely observing the conflict between old and new, traditional and modern, and even Christian values versus mysticism, To Sleep with Anger appears - on the face of it - to be some kind of supernatural morality play, think: Angel Heart or Devil's Advocate. But it's actually more simple and maybe even mundane than that, which is both a good and a bad thing, allowing Burnett to get under the skin of his acute observation of a family in crisis, but arguably disappointing those who were expecting less of a misdirection on the whole 'devil's in town' premise - something not wholly unjustified considering the ostensibly supernatural title sequence.
The story sees Danny Glover's charismatic old family friend from the Deep South, Harry, turn up on the doorsteps of Gideon and Suzie and turn their life upside down. Welcoming him in for as long as he likes, Harry proceeds to complicate the marriage of their youngest son, whilst turning him against his elder brother, and perhaps even hospitalising old Gideon too - all with a smile on his face. Is he a chancer trying to get the upper hand, just an irascible old friend who wants to mix things up, or actually the devil incarnate?
With both lots and absolutely nothing going on in Burnett's cinematic stage play, it's left largely to Glover to take charge and that's precisely what he does, delivering a wonderful mischievous grin and more than a little underlying menace. After the success of the first two Lethal Weapon films, Glover was on a roll, nailing almost 10 quality films in a row (yes, Predator 2 counts as one of them - even as a minority opinion, without Schwarzenegger on board, it was an interesting against-type casting which made for a great same-setup, different-setting sequel, that's a cut above any of the other Predator sequels, and let's not even start on The Predator). Buried between Lethal Weapon sequels and other more high profile work, his performance in To Sleep with Anger would go underacknowledged which is a shame because the movie really rests and falls with the audience's response to him and his character.
Whilst perhaps neither a conventional family drama nor the darker delight that it teases, To Sleep with Anger can be enjoyed better on its own terms, mostly through hindsight, when its morality play has coalesced into a rather clever reflection on old vs. new traditions and values, and when the message about the importance of family has finally hit home.
The story sees Danny Glover's charismatic old family friend from the Deep South, Harry, turn up on the doorsteps of Gideon and Suzie and turn their life upside down. Welcoming him in for as long as he likes, Harry proceeds to complicate the marriage of their youngest son, whilst turning him against his elder brother, and perhaps even hospitalising old Gideon too - all with a smile on his face. Is he a chancer trying to get the upper hand, just an irascible old friend who wants to mix things up, or actually the devil incarnate?
It's left largely to Glover to take charge and that's precisely what he does
With both lots and absolutely nothing going on in Burnett's cinematic stage play, it's left largely to Glover to take charge and that's precisely what he does, delivering a wonderful mischievous grin and more than a little underlying menace. After the success of the first two Lethal Weapon films, Glover was on a roll, nailing almost 10 quality films in a row (yes, Predator 2 counts as one of them - even as a minority opinion, without Schwarzenegger on board, it was an interesting against-type casting which made for a great same-setup, different-setting sequel, that's a cut above any of the other Predator sequels, and let's not even start on The Predator). Buried between Lethal Weapon sequels and other more high profile work, his performance in To Sleep with Anger would go underacknowledged which is a shame because the movie really rests and falls with the audience's response to him and his character.
Whilst perhaps neither a conventional family drama nor the darker delight that it teases, To Sleep with Anger can be enjoyed better on its own terms, mostly through hindsight, when its morality play has coalesced into a rather clever reflection on old vs. new traditions and values, and when the message about the importance of family has finally hit home.
To Sleep with Anger Blu-ray Picture
Criterion bring To Sleep with Anger to UK Blu-ray with the same largely excellent 1080p/AVC-encoded High Definition video that adorns its preceding US variation, delivering in the movie's original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen.
Detail remains superb throughout, affording impressive clarity and rich texturing to the faces and settings, whilst the colour scheme is lovingly rendered with an authentic and vibrant rendition of the palette. Black levels are strong, and contrast on point. Exteriors polish up the best, but the lighting allows for strong shots indoors and outdoors and perhaps the only sticking point is the controversial matter of grain - with the film's natural and eminently filmic layer of grain an extremely pervasive one, and one which arguably doesn't quite leave this demo territory. Now there is a clear difference between the rather noisy opening title sequences (with the physical overlays likely leaving these impossible to clean up any better than this) and the movie proper, but it's still a rather heavily textured affair and may not be to everybody's tastes. Of course, on the whole, Criterion have done superior work - as per normal - and the image is devoid of defects and damage.
Criterion have done superior work - as per normal
Detail remains superb throughout, affording impressive clarity and rich texturing to the faces and settings, whilst the colour scheme is lovingly rendered with an authentic and vibrant rendition of the palette. Black levels are strong, and contrast on point. Exteriors polish up the best, but the lighting allows for strong shots indoors and outdoors and perhaps the only sticking point is the controversial matter of grain - with the film's natural and eminently filmic layer of grain an extremely pervasive one, and one which arguably doesn't quite leave this demo territory. Now there is a clear difference between the rather noisy opening title sequences (with the physical overlays likely leaving these impossible to clean up any better than this) and the movie proper, but it's still a rather heavily textured affair and may not be to everybody's tastes. Of course, on the whole, Criterion have done superior work - as per normal - and the image is devoid of defects and damage.
To Sleep with Anger Blu-ray Sound
A strong offering
The accompanying DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track is a strong offering too, delivering dialogue with firm prioritisation across the frontal channels - it really could have been a stage play, so the dialogue is the most important part - with some consideration given to crafting a vibrant atmosphere, bringing the family gatherings - and clashes - to the heart of your living room, with a bustle that feels authentic. The score is mischievously playful, emphasising the darker tones too, and despite the lack of standout moments, the track does a strong and faithful job bringing the production to life.
To Sleep with Anger Blu-ray Extras
Criterion do a solid job on the extras front
Criterion do a solid enough job on the extras front too, with a brand new Interview-based Featurette that has the cast and crew reflecting on the production, as well as a couple of shorter reflections on the Director.
Conclusion
To Sleep with Anger Blu-ray Review
Whilst perhaps neither a conventional family drama nor the darker delight that it teases, To Sleep with Anger can be enjoyed better on its own terms
To Sleep with Anger comes to UK Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, delivering up an identical release to their US package, with strong video and audio and a nice selection of extras to round out the disc. Fans should consider it a solid purchase.
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