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The Movie:
Talk about typecasting; director John Boorman's "Tailor Of Panama" had many going in thinking they were going to see Pierce Brosnan in some sort of "indie-Bond" picture. Although the film didn't do particularly well at the box office, those who did manage to catch the picture saw something mildly entertaining on its own terms - two splendid lead actors energetically going up against one another in a picture that doesn't always support their battles well.
Based upon John Le Carre's novel, "Tailor Of Panama" stars Brosnan as Andy Osnard, a rogue British spy who is sent off to Panama to see what he can dig up. He's previously had a reputation of bad behavior, which continues when he sets foot on shore. The first thing he needs to do is to get himself an informant - and he manages to find one in Harry Pendel (Geoffrey Rush of "Shine"). The tailor tells everyone that he's one half of a famed clothing company, but it's simply all a sheld covering up the man's past; that he did a stint in prison and may have other details about the politics in the region. Of course, Andy already knows this going in, but it's a pleasure to watch Brosnan play games with his prey in a scene of fine acting between both. Whenever it becomes apparent that Harry is unsure about proceedings, Osnard threatens to reveal the man's past and sink his present.
It's one of the few joys of the opening. Although director Boorman does eventually get things going, he could have infused the opening with a big bigger push of energy to draw in the audience. After a rather slow opening, the remainder of the film plays like a rather interesting dance between a comedy and a thriller, but pace never really becomes mobile. Harry's got debts to pay and Andy offers payment in exchange for valuable information, but is the information that Harry's offering Andy real, or is Harry using Andy in the same way that Andy is using him? I'll leave that to be revealed.
The performances are, again, excellent and the main reason to see the picture. Brosnan seems to especially delight in spinning the "Bond" image on its head, portraying Osnard as a slick, arrogant, indifferent jerk. Rush is especially good as a mild-mannered individual dragged back into his former life. Also fine is Jamie Lee Curtis, who makes the most out of a smallish, but important role as Harry's suspicious wife. Technical credits are fine; production design is fine and award-winning cinematographer Philippe Rousselot ("Remember The Titans", "Planet of the Apes") does respectable work, as well.
"Panama" was an enjoyable, but flawed picture. Again, the pacing really never moves beyond a light stroll. Moments here and there don't seem to know exactly what direction they want to go in as the film skips from genre to genre. The story was inconsistently engaging, with compelling moments between some indifferent stretches. It all brings me back to the original feeling - the film is mainly worthwhile viewing simply as an actor's showcase.
The DVD
VIDEO: "Tailor Of Panama" is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen by Columbia/Tristar. Much of the film looks very good, but I'm afraid to say that it won't go on record as being one of the better presentations the studio has offered in regards to image quality. Sharpness and detail are often very good, but this varies - some scenes came across as looking slightly on the softer side.
Unfortunately, that's not the only problem that the presentation faces. Minor pixelation is very infrequently noticable, while mild edge enhancement also occasionally became irritating. Thankfully, print flaws are kept to a minimum. I noticed some minor speckles once or twice, but I didn't see anything in the way of more noticable wear, such as marks or scratches.
Colors are either vibrant or, at least, warm and rich, all depending on the scene. Colors appeared natural and accurate, with no flaws or concerns. This remains a respectable transfer from the studio, but they're capable of a smoother presentation.
SOUND: "Tailor Of Panama" is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1. The track is fine, but it's not particularly ambitious or exceptional in any way. The elegant and enjoyable score by Shaun Davey is presented with fine presence, sounding beautifully crisp and clear. The score is occasionally offered by the surrounds, but that's all they offer. Surrounds very infrequently offered ambient sounds, but so subtly it didn't really make much of a difference. Fidelity remains strong throughout the film; all of the elements come through clearly - score, dialogue, sound effects. A decent presentation, but it could have been a bit more immersive at points.
MENUS:: Strong, enjoyable animated main menu with film-themed images, but basic sub-menus.
EXTRAS::
Alternate Ending: I wasn't entirely pleased with the ending as-is, but I don't think this one exactly works, either. Yet, it is available here in 2.35:1 non-anamorphic widescreen, with additional commentary by director John Boorman.
Commentary: This is a commentary from director John Boorman, who also produced and had a hand in writing the film. The director provides a chatty and interesting discussion of the specific elements of the picture, but does tend to focus on the performances and the story. I usually find discussions of characters and story to be rather boring, depending on the speaker, but Boorman actually does give interesting analysis and insight during his look into the characters who populate the picture. The director also talks about the locations and some of the technical details of certain scenes. Only a few pauses of silence are apparent now and then on the track - although Boorman seemed slightly nervous at the beginning, he carries the track well.
Trailers: Two trailers are available - one for "Les Miserables" and one for "Tailor Of Panama". The "Panama" trailer is presented in 1.85:1 and Dolby Digital 5.1. It also makes the film look a bit like what the filmmakers didn't want - for it to look like another Bond picture.
Perfect Fit: A Conversation Between...: This is a documentary that lasts around 25 minutes which offers the viewer a conversation between actors Geoffrey Rush and Pierce Brosnan. I was a bit dissapointed that, although some passages do provide informative discussion of the production, most of it seemed to simply discuss the characters and story of the picture I'd just seen. There's also some mildly irritating camera work as the focus occasionally switches to a second, side camera, which becomes jarring. Brosnan doesn't say much, either - Rush is the one who does most of the chatting.
Also: Filmographies and production notes.
Final Thoughts: "Tailor of Panama" doesn't always work in terms of story, but I enjoyed it simply as a showcase for two great actors obviously enjoying their roles. Columbia/Tristar has provided fine supplemental features for the DVD, but the audio/video presentation comes up short in comparison to many of their other new releases. Still, fans of the film will find this worth getting, while those who didn't see it, but are interested might want to check it out as a rental.
Film Grade
The Film ***
DVD Grades
Video 87/B = (348/400 possible points)
Audio: 86/B = (344/400 possible points)
Extras: 83/B = (249/300 possible points)
Menus: 85/B = (170/200 possible points)
Value: 83/B = (249/300 possible points)
TOTAL POINTS:1360/1600
DVD GRADE:B/85%
FILM GRADE: ***
DVD GRADE: B
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