-- Things We Lost in the Fire Blu ray

In today's me-first, self-centered, drive-thru world, it must be awfully difficult for producers and directors to make movies that don't contain T & A and overblown FX as a substitute - also known as recent Michael Bay films. Bucking that trend, Things We Lost in the Fire takes a deliberately slow approach - perhaps better described as realistic and thoughtful - exposing the heart-wrenching emotions experienced by recent survivors of loved ones.



Shown nonlinearly (but not quite like Memento), the film follows two leads - Audrey Burke (Halle Berry) and Jerry Sunborne (Benicio Del Toro) - struggling with the recent death of Brian Burke (David Duchovny), who was a husband and friend, respectively. As a recovering heroin addict, Jerry is in search for support, and Audrey, an emotionally fragile woman, has had her world collapse now that her husband has widowed her with two young children. The perceptions of good and bad, needy and nurturing, are juxtaposed interestingly so that each of the characters surprises with their reaction to Brian's death. Both need each other and they bond to overcome whatever previous issues they may have had with one another.



As a character study, this movie is off the charts. Excellenct job from Halle and Benicio. As an underdog, Jerry unbelievably edges out Audrey for sympathy. Despite an understanding of how each character is coping, Audrey has multiple moments in which she is not only unlikeable, but downright mean and selfish. During one poignant scene she invites Jerry to rub her ear in bed (which is not a euphemism), like Brian used to, in order for her to fall asleep. The concept is touching but incredibly selfish considering Jerry's obvious difficulties with temptation. Thankfully, the movie didn't devolve with a contrived and completely unbelievable romance.



Director Susanne Bier creates a very sentimental, morose image, which suits the overall tone of the film perfectly. Despite her eye close-up fetish - something that reminded me of Tarantino's foot shots - each scene and character is shot in a complimenting fashion. Perhaps it's easier because it's VERY difficult to make Halle Berry unattractive, and Del Toro's weathered face gives him the appearance of a drug addict, but it's nonetheless done very well.



Gradual yet approaching stagnant, nothing will wow, but Things We Lost in the Fire is recommended for a heartfelt human drama fans escaping ninjas, hobbits, and transforming robots. It will probably be enjoyed, however, by fans of sparkling vampires.



Jason Elin


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