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Sin City is directed by Robert Rodriguez, with guest
director Quentin Tarantino. The film is based on the graphic
novel series by Frank Miller. Sin City stars Bruce Willis,
Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Jessica Alba, Benicio del Toro,
Brittany Murphy, Elijah Wood, Rosario Dawson, Jaime King,
Michael Clarke Duncan, Alexis Bledel, Powers Boothe, Michael
Madsen, Josh Hartnett, Devon Aoki, Carla Gugino, Rutger
Hauer, and Marley Shelton. Music is composed by Graeme Revell
and John Debney. ***
Sin City is a film adaptation of the graphic novel series
created by Frank Miller, which appeared in its earliest
incarnation in 1991. The film is set in Basin City, a place
overrun with crime and less-than-favorable individuals.
The police force is just as corrupt as the criminals. The
film is actually multiple stories set in the same city,
with intertwining themes and characters. There are three
main stories – one follows an aging police officer (one
of the few uncorrupted ones) and his efforts to prevent
a child murderer from striking. One follows a hideous man’s
efforts to avenge the murder of a call girl who had recently
paid him a visit. And the other follows a degenerate section
of the city where prostitutes are in charge, and are struggling
to maintain control. ***
Sin City is unlike any comic book/graphic novel adaptation
that ever came before. And I mean that as the ultimate form
of praise. This is a movie based on a graphic novel that
actually LOOKS like a graphic novel. The stylized tone of
the film, combined with a noir feel, gorgeous imagery, an
all-star cast, and violence that makes most comic book adaptations
look like kiddie movies. ***
The look and feel of the film are the greatest strengths.
The film itself is primarily in black and white, albeit
with certain elements colored for stylistic purposes (blood,
certain characters’ eyes, etc.) when necessary. Despite
being filled with action, the film also borrows elements
from the largely-extinct film noir genre. The result is
something that looks and feels like no other movie ever
made. Sin City stands on a plain all its own. It’s rare
you get a movie that has style AND substance to its name,
but Sin City is one of the few. ***
Also worth mentioning is the all-star cast. I must
say, I was AMAZED at how many big names have been brought
into a single movie. And perhaps even more amazing is that
everyone of them gives a great performance. Stand-outs include
Bruce Willis as an aging, incorruptible cop and Mickey Rourke
as a hideous man out for revenge. There’s n ot a weak performance
in this movie, though I wish some characters had more screen
time and development. Michael Clarke Duncan is a great actor,
but he hardly gets to be in the movie at all, for instance.
***
A word of warning for any prospective viewers – this
movie is violent. EXTREMELY violent. If you’re at all squeamish,
this movie is NOT for you. In many ways I’m surprised this
movie got away with an R rating, and not an NC-17. Sin City
is gory, like no other graphic novel/comic book adaptation.
You have been warned. Sin City is a product that has no
equal. It looks and feels like a comic, and it has the all-star
cast to back it up. It’s a movie that words can’t fully
describe, and one that must be experienced to be appreciated.
One of the most faithful adaptations of a graphic novel
ever put on the big screen, and perhaps more importantly,
one of the finest. ---
Image and Sound:
Wow. The incredible look of this film translates beautifully
to the world of high-definition movie viewing. The image
doesn’t contain any pops, hisses, or negative distortion.
Detail is incredible, and the color scheme translates well
to the format. This is the way Sin City was meant to be
experienced. It looked good on DVD, no questions asked,
but this presentation kicks it up more than a few notches.
Lossless audio only sweetens the deal, and this disc takes
full advantage of it. Long story short, this is one of the
best-looking AND best-sounding Blu-Ray discs this reviewer
has ever laid eyes upon. No fan of the film will be disappointed
with its presentation here.
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| Special
Features: |
Unlike the bare-bones Canadian release (which was region-free)
that came out on Blu last year with only the theatrical
cut, this American release actually contains both cuts of
the movies and some intriguing supplements. Both cuts of
the movie are present , including the better-known theatrical
cut, and an extended cut that exhibits each segment as its
own individual presentation, with plenty of extra footage.
The first disc contains the theatrical cut. Two commentary
tracks are present as well (One Rodriguez and Miller, and
one Rodriguez and Tarantino), as well as a track from the
movie’s theatrical premier (these things seem to be a standard
on Rodriguez’s discs.) Disc two has the extended version,
an interactive game that would be only possible on Blu-Ray,
and a whole slew of featurettes. Every aspect of the filmmaking
process is detailed here, with cast and crew alike showing
up for the content. Even if you already bought the Canadian
bare-bones Blu-Ray release, you’ll want to score this edition
of the film. Having both cuts in one place and a ton of
bonus content make this the definitive HD release of the
movie. ---
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