Blue Caprice DVD Review

     Actors: Joey Lauren Adams, Isaiah Washington

Format: Color, NTSC, Widescreen

Language: English

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: Ifc Independent Film

DVD Release Date: January 14, 2014

Run Time: 94 minutes

 

 

        Blue Caprice does a fantastic job of capturing insanity in a way which appears rational, while also doing absolutely nothing within the storyline to make the characters even remotely sympathetic. There is no doubt in my mind that this is directly tied into the fact that the plot was taken from the true events of the random Beltway sniper attacks, and cautious storytelling is a way of respecting the real-life tragedy which occurred. On the other hand, watching two unsympathetic antagonists at the center of this story makes for an emotionally attached viewing experience. It is difficult to feel sympathy for the victims we never get to know and impossible to enjoy the devastation of the antagonistic road trip taken by these killers. The result is a film which can only hope for stylistic admiration, leaving no room for audience to feel anything close to sympathy or empathy.

 

        The film follows a teenager named Lee (Tequan Richmond), who is left to fend for himself after his mother selfishly abandons him. John (Isaiah Washington) makes a connection with the boy, having a son that the courts have no longer permitted him to see, and takes him under his wing. At first this appears to be a positive situation for Lee, though it turns ugly as John begins to use the young man to carry out his plan of revenge. As they take a road trip to reclaim John’s child, he and Lee leave a wake of devastation on their journey with the help of a shooting bay in the trunk of a Chevy Caprice and a sniper rifle to take down unsuspecting victims.

 

        What is ultimately left unclear in this film is the reasoning behind many of the random killings. There are some which seem directly chosen as a method of revenge John is taking against those who he deems responsible for the loss of parental rights, while others are just strangers on the road that seem to serve no purpose. We are never given enough insight into John’s reasoning for these killings, however clear the film makes Lee’s intentions in following a father-figure into battle.

 

        The DVD includes a commentary track with director Alexandre Moors and writer R.F.I. Porto. Also included is a press conference from the Deauville Film Festival, a behind-the-scenes featurette and a trailer.

       

Entertainment Value: 3/10

Quality of Filmmaking: 6.5/10

Historical Significance: 5/10

Disc Features: 6/10