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George Washington: Criterion Collection
Movie: 10/10
Let me start off by saying that this film is not about George Washington, our nation's first president. This film has nothing to do with one of our founding fathers.
I remember reading a review of this film in Wisconsin's own satire newspaper, "The Onion" last year when I went to go see Memento. It started off with a line used in the first scene, in which a boy asks his girlfriend, who is dumping him, if he can kiss her one last time. I found this heartbreaking at the time and for some reason that line stuck in my head for a very long time. I felt the small boy's pain and I hadn't even seen the movie, until today.
This film does not deal with one of our founding fathers, it deals with a small rural town in the south and the small children and adults who inhabit it. The film mainly focuses on the children, five black and white North Carolina youth ranging from Nasia (Candace Evanofski) who just dumped Buddy (Curtis Cotton III, who states the line I mentioned above in the first scene) because she wants someone more "mature". Nasia finds this maturity in George (Donald Holden), a fragile child who suffers a disease which causes his skull not to be fused together. Looking out for his friend, Buddy, Vernon (Damien Jewan Lee) steps in. Vernon looks out for Buddy as well as the little white blond girl, Sonya (Rachael Handy).
The children's situation is mirrored by the adults, the majority of which are railroad workers. They debate the same issues: love, life, death, etc. Throughout the film, you're not sure if the adults are being childish or the children are being some of the most mature individuals on Earth. It's really beautiful how David Gordon Green executes this storytelling in his writing and direction. The film touched my heart, as I knew it would when I read the first quote. The story takes off when George and Buddy end up messing around on a wet floor in a bathroom. Buddy playfully pushes George who knocks his fragile head on a wall. He becomes upset and pushes Buddy, who slips in a puddle of water and cracks his head open, killing himself. George takes the blame for Buddy's death in a depressing internal struggle in which he attempts to safe the lives of others for his error. (Kind of reminded me of Crime and Punishment.)
I don't know what else to say besides this film is wonderful. It's a shame that it did not receive more buzz when it was released because I'm sure it would have been on some top ten lists. I hope Criterion handles this well and makes others aware of this flick. The young cast is excellent in their roles, as are the adults, none of which are major actors or actresses. For a debut, Green has himself a modern day masterpiece. If I would have seen this film in 2000, I'm sure it would have been on my top ten list. Now, I can't help but add it to a list of films that is closer to my heart. (Note: My only complaint is some of the metaphors are strange. This could be Green's method, however, I had a hard time seeking meaning in them.) Criterion always puts out great pictures, I have yet to see a really poor one. (Although I wasn't stunned by Grey Gardens.)
Video: 9/10
Clear and rock solid. It's a newer flick so it wouldn't be anything but. Anamorphic widescreen.
Audio: 9/10
Again, clear and rock solid. Surround sound.
Extras: 10/10
Criterion doesn't disappoint with this flick. We have a commentary by Green, the cinematographer, a deleted scene (with commentary), a trailer, two of Green's short films (with commentary), interviews with the cast, a short film that influenced George Washington, and Charlie Rose interviews. Criterion does a great job, as usual, decking out their DVDs with a wide assortment of excellent extras to accompany wonderful films. They have yet to truly disappoint me with their selection of extra features (except Weir's The Last Wave and the Fellini flick they sent me that looks a little barren).
Overall: 10/10
Great film which everyone should see. Great extras and transfers to accompany it. I almost wish they would put out a crappy DVD because I feel like a push over when I keep giving them good grades. The truth is, Criterion earns this in their wonderful presentation of their features. Nice job Criterion, keep up the good work! Don't let us down on Traffic, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, and The Game!
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