DVD Reviews

Everything is Illuminated

Posted by Brian C. Gibson (brian@filmschoolrejects.com) on March 22, 2006

Final Grade: A-

“Everything is illuminated in the light of the past” is a quote taken from possibly one of the most under-rated films of 2005, Everything is Illuminated. The film is a genuine, heartfelt, and humorous look at the self discovery one can only achieve through uncovering the past.

Jonathan Safran Foer (Elijah Wood) maintains the memories of his relatives in individual baggies pinned on a wall in his home. When his dying grandmother shows Jonathan a photograph of his grandfather Safran and a mysterious woman named Augustine, he begins to question his roots and beginnings. Jonathan sets out for the Ukraine to discover more about his grandfather and the woman who saved his life from the Nazis during World War II. There he meets a family that runs a guide business catering to Jewish families that are trying to find the same things as Jonathan. Alex (Eugene Hutz) and his melancholy grandfather are employed to guide Jonathon towards his destination, and a clash of American and Eastern European cultures ensues.

Alex has a keen interest in American culture, but Eastern Europe’s perspective of American way of life sadly consists mostly of 1980’s pop culture. Clad in Adidas jumpsuits and multiple gold necklaces, Alex embraces Americana by idolizing Michael Jackson, break-dancing, and the film Risky Business. Upon meeting Jonathon however, Alex’s view of Americans and wealthy Jews eventually changes for the better, and both men take an enlightening journey into the heart of their interweaving pasts.

This film is an adaptation of a novel by Safron Foer, and a beautiful experience that is (as I mentioned previously) one of the most under-rated of 2005. This is the directorial and screenwriting debut of Liev Schreiber, who you may recognize as an actor from such films as the Scream series, The Hurricane, and The Manchurian Candidate. Schreiber’s direction proved his skill in the trade by enticing his audience with humor and later charming his viewers with nearly perfect chemistry between the actors, which later leads to a heartfelt outcome. This also marks one of the only performances that I have ever really liked from Elijah Wood. Ever since Wood has shed his â€œchild actorâ€ image, I have felt that the bulk of his roles have been casting gimmicks. Illuminated could be, at least in my mind, his breakout performance as a serious actor. Eugene Hutz is absolutely hilarious as Alex, and I severely hope to see him in more films. The amount of humor and authenticity that he brings to this role is a breath of fresh air.

This film’s 5.1 soundtrack features music that matches its scenery perfect. The visuals of the film weren’t particular stunning, except for one climactic image near the end of the film. This image is one of the most memorable pans of a scenic countryside since The Sound of Music or The Wizard of Oz. The DVD is not a special features wonder, so much so that the only features included are a commentary and some horrible deleted scenes that if left in the final cut, would have undoubtedly ruined the film.

Experiencing this film is sure to leave you with a smile on your face. Not liking this movie is like trying not to smile when you see two giggling infants cuddling with a kitten. The movie starts out with humor, keeps you interested with perfect character development, and closes with an “illuminating” ending.

The Upside:
Irresistible characters and lovely ambiance throughout the film.
The Downside:
Special Features: Deleted scenes that definitely needed to stay out of the film.
On The Side:
Jonathan Safran Foer, the author of the novel on which the movie is based, appears as the leaf blower at the beginning of the film.

DVD Stats:
Starring: Elijah Wood, Eugene Hutz, Boris Leskin
Directed by: Liev Schreiber
Writing Credits: Liev Schreiber (script), Jonathon Safran Foer (novel)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital 5.1
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for disturbing images/violence, sexual content and language.
Country: USA
Languages: English, Russian, Ukranian
Run Time: 106 min.
Studio: Warner Independent Pictures