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Based on David Mamet’s play “Sexual Perversity in Chicago”
the film “About Last Night…” has only a rudimentary relationship
to the play. That’s not necessarily a bad thing it’s just
that Mamet’s play filled with an obscenity every other line
was much funnier, less optimistic about human nature and
without any sort of redemption for the main characters.
Of course Hollywood had to change almost everything worthwhile
about the original play (although the opening monologue
is kept somewhat intact for this version if I recall correctly).
***
Edward Zwick’s (“Glory”) film manages to capture some
of the raunchy attitude but, more importantly, some of the
themes that were important in Mamet’s play. Although it’s
vulgar at times it’s really NOT that offensive fully two
decades on. Filled with Bratpack cast members (although
my one of my first young adult crushes Elizabeth Perkins
is in the film..I’m sorry but she’s far and away more sexy
than Demi Moore) the film works pretty well due to the strong
ensemble cast performance and a well written screenplay.
Zwick’s direction is also stellar throughout the film. ***
Dan (Rob Lowe) and his buddy Bernie (Jim Belushi perfectly
cast) have two things that drive them; one-night stands
and sports. While hanging out at their favorite watering
hole Dan meets Debbie (Demi Moore) and the two hit more
than hit it off—they’re relationship becomes a full blown
love affair to the point where they move in together. This
disturbs Deb’s best friend Joan (Elizabeth Perkins) and
Bernie who really can’t stand each other having little in
common beyond their close friendships with Dan and Debbie.
They witness the whirlwind romance that turns into an out-of-control
tornado which, at one point, leaves each of them stranded
in a place that isn’t Oz but is far from Auntie Em’s perfect
world. ---
Image & Sound:
“About Last Night” looks like a couple the morning after
having a one night stand; it’s frumpy, looks tired and lacking
life. The transfer lacks the sharp clarity and bold colors
one expects from a film of this type. Flesh tones are good
throughout and black levels are OK throughout the film.
For a catalog title from Sony I expected a much better transfer
than this. “Starman” which was released at the same time
looks far more lively with a nice, sharp looking transfer
that while it still betrays the time it was made in (that’s
a good thing)looks remarkably good for a film over twenty
years old. ***
Audio is solid throughout with a nice Dolby TrueHD
5.1 lossless transfer. It sounds better than it looks but
keep in mind this is primarily dialogue driven so doesn’t
take advantage of the format.
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