Affliction Blu-ray Review
“Affliction” is an acting showcase.
Based on the novel by Russell Banks, 1997’s drama “Affliction” revolves around Wade Whitehouse- a police officer in a small snowy New Hampshire town whose life is falling apart. He’s divorced, irresponsible, has a strained relationship with his daughter, his mother recently passed away, his relationship with his girlfriend is souring, he’s suffering from a horrible toothache, and he’s obsessed that a local accidental death is a part of some big murder scandal. On top of that he’s slowly turning into his father Glen, an abusive alcoholic who cast a dark shadow over his entire family. Can Wade turn his life around or will his life implode?
Written and directed by Paul Schrader (best known for collaborating as a writer with Martin Scorsese on “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull”), “Affliction” is a dark character study that explores the effects that an abusive father can have on a son. When the story focuses on Wade’s downfall and his dynamic with his horrible father, the film works. The ending is particularly impactful in coming full circle. Where the film suffers is with the meandering and scattered story. The subplots involving the hunting accident and Gordon’s business have a bit too much screentime, Rolfe’s narration feels rather needless (especially given how little he is in the film itself), and the narrative could have used more scenes between Wade and his girlfriend Margie to show their declining relationship. It all feels a bit clunky at times perhaps because a lot of the material is better suited for the novel the film was based on.
The cast is what makes “Affliction” worth watching. Nick Nolte is at his best here as the deeply troubled Wade. He was rightly nominated for an Oscar for his work, but he should have won as he gave it his all here. James Coburn did win an Oscar for his supporting performance as the insufferable father Glen. It’s a memorable late career performance from the accomplished actor. Despite limited screentime, Sissy Spacek and Willem Dafoe also impress in their respective roles.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? The hi-def transfer is an upgrade to be sure, but it’s rather underwhelming. The colors are soft, the picture is fuzzy in spots and there are noticeable print scratches and dirt specs.
Audio Track: 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Adequate but lacking.
The lone extra is an “Affliction” trailer.
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