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The Movie:
Reportedly only released last year thanks to a protest by star Michael Caine, director Phillip Noyce’s "The Quiet American" was finished in 2001, but the film was delayed by studio Miramax, who was worried that some elements of the film would be deemed "anti-American." Both films make a surprising one-two delivery for Noyce, a director previously well-known for such big-budget fare as "Clear and Present Danger" (Noyce was going to do "Sum of All Fears" before deciding on "Fence" and "American" instead). As "Rabbit-Proof Fence" and "American" show, Noyce seems more at home with a smaller production and more substancial subject matter.
Based on a Graham Greene novel, "American" is set in Saigon during 1952. When the film opens, an American described as "quiet", Alden Pyle (Brendan Fraser), has just died. British reporter Thomas Fowler (Michael Caine) is questioned as the movie opens; after the start, we enter flashbacks to find out more about what happened to both men. The focus of the flashbacks is Phuong (Do Thi Hai Yen), a beautiful young local woman who becomes the romantic interest for both men. Despite Pyle's statement that he's there as part of a medical operation, he may not be exactly who he says he is. Although the film's love triangle takes up a sizable amount of the running time, "American" also does take a look at the politics of the region in the era.
"American" would be a more ordinary thriller/mystery if not for its lead performances. Michael Caine only seems to be getting better with age, as this Oscar-nominated performance proves. Caine plays the love-struck older gentleman with grace, soul and subtlety, falling completely into the character. Frasier is still well-known for action-driven roles such as the "Mummy" pictures, but this performance (as well as his effort in "Gods and Monsters") reminds that Frasier is a very capable dramatic actor when he wants to be. Do Thi Hai Yen is superb, as well; she's haunting in a very moving performance. Christopher Doyle's elegant, yet melancholy cinematography frames the scenes superbly.
Despite seeming rather deliberately paced early on, the second half of the film becomes more intriguing. Although it's obvious that Frasier's character isn't who he says he is, the actor plays it in a way that takes our attention away from that fact until the eventual reveal. The mystery at the center of the story may not seem terribly complex, but the performances and handling of the subject matter builds tension and involvement. I'm still a little more impressed with Noyce's "Rabbit-Proof Fence", but this is well-worth a viewing, as well.
The DVD
VIDEO: "Quiet American" is presented by Miramax in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. Although Christopher Doyle's cinematography (he also worked on "Rabbit-Proof Fence") is magnificent as always, the transfer is just above-average. Sharpness and detail are just satisfactory, with only the brighter, daylight scenes appearing moderately well-defined.
Thankfully, edge enhancement was rarely an issue, as only a few hints of it appeared in a scene or two. Pixelation or other artifacts were not spotted, nor were any print flaws. Colors throughout the movie remained appropriately subdued, but still appeared well-rendered and accurate.
SOUND: "Quiet American" is presented by Miramax in Dolby Digital 5.1. Despite the fact that this is a mostly dialogue-driven feature, there are some enjoyable instances of surround use scattered throughout the film. Some scenes of war provide a moderate amount of sound effects from the rear speakers, while some quieter scenes in the outdoors also provide a chance for the rear speakers to offer some minor (but still enjoyable) ambience. Audio quality is perfectly fine, as the score sounds crisp and rich, while dialogue comes through clearly. Considering the material, the activity present in this soundtrack is perfectly acceptable.
EXTRAS:
Commentary: As with the DVD for Noyce's "Rabbit-Proof Fence", the DVD for "Quiet American" offers another crowded commentary track. Director Phillip Noyce, actors Brendan Frasier and Michael Caine, actress Tzi Ma, exec producer Sydney Pollack, producers Staffan Arenberg and William Horberg, co-writer Christopher Hampton and interpreter/advisor Tran An Hua all participate in this commentary.
As with the commentary for "Rabbit-Proof Fence", Noyce proves himself remarkably good at discussing the making of a picture. A fine storyteller, Noyce discusses how he became involved with "The Quiet American", including one instance where the director talks about accidentially purchasing the novel when he intended to buy a book of poetry. Caine and Frasier discuss the elements of their performance, while Pollock talks about the story and the production. Nobody here stops to praise everyone else, although there are moments of praise, but which are backed up by analysis and insight into why the subject is skilled. There's really no narration of the story, either; the participants intelligently discuss and inform about both the film production and the history of the country. It's a pleasure to listen to a commentary like this one, which is filled with insight and warmly told, involving and enjoyable tales of the film's production. Everyone here has a lot to offer and I would have liked to have the participants spread out across two commentaries instead of trying to fit all their comments into one.
Also: 22-minute Sundance "Anatomy of a Scene" documentary, which offers a look at one of the film's biggest scenes from different viewpoints, while supplemented with interviews from the cast and crew. Also included are a short featurette, Vietnam timeline, "Quiet American" book reviews and trailers for: "Gangs of New York", "Chicago", "Frida" and "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind".
Final Thoughts: "Quiet American" is a mystery/drama lead by three marvelous lead performances, strong direction and an excellent screenplay. Miramax's DVD edition provides good audio/video and supplemental features. Recommended.
Film Grade
The Film *** 1/2
DVD Grades
Video 89/B+
Audio: 87/B
Extras: 85/B
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