Aviva is thirteen, awkward, and sensitive. Her mother, Joyce, is warm and loving, as is her father, Steve, a regular guy who does have a fierce temper from time to time. The film revolves around her family, friends, and neighbors.
Those who have seen any film from writer/director Todd Solondz know they are in for a wild ride with one of his features. Describing his works as “wild rides” is probably doing him and his films a disservice because these are not the types of movies one watches for thrills or entertainment in the traditional sense. His films frequently explore dark, unpleasant themes while managing to be both serious and morbidly humorous. “Palindromes,” released in 2004, is no different.
An interesting quote from the director about this film states, “… I wondered what would happen if I cast a number of different types of people as one character…” In “Palindromes,” Solondz focuses on thirteen-year-old Aviva, taking an unusual route by having multiple actresses (and an actor) of varying sizes, races, and ages play the role at different points throughout the film.
For this reviewer, it’s initially a little confusing, especially when the character refers to herself as a different name (is she really the same person? But that’s kind of the point — or one of them). The film hits its stride with the gimmick, allowing Solondz to explore themes of identity alongside the ethical issues it raises. A warning: if anyone needs trigger warnings, this is definitely a film that warrants them. Topics covered include abortion, pedophilia, and murder.
If that doesn’t scare you off, “Palindromes” is a good movie and worth a watch. It is challenging viewing, but it is rewarding in its own way (diving into this disc’s special features certainly helps with appreciating the film).
This limited edition set is Radiance Films’ first 4K release. The set includes the film on 4K disc and the film and special features on a Blu-ray disc. The included booklet states that the film was restored in 4K by The Museum of Modern Art with Solondz’s approval. As expected, it looks and sounds fantastic. Although there is one minor setback for the technically minded, the disc lacks an HDR format. It’s not a deal breaker (at least for me), but some will want to know before handing out their money for the disc. The sound is a 5.1 track that is very front-heavy, which isn’t too surprising. The dialogue is mostly clear. However, there was a moment towards the end that I had trouble hearing what the characters were saying.
On the Blu-ray disc, Radiance includes a handful of extra features. First up is an interview with Todd Solondz by critic Hannah Strong. This is an engaging interview that offers additional insight into the film. Other features include an interview with actor Alexander Brickel, a visual essay by Lillian Crawford, and the film’s trailer. Crawford’s visual essay is interesting, as it positions this film and its themes within the scope of Solondz’s filmography. The limited edition also includes reversible artwork and a booklet with numerous writings about the movie.
Fans of Solondz’s work will definitely want to grab a copy of this film. For the curious film fan, this is a nicely collected package of an intriguing movie. For everyone else, it’s heavier watching than what a more casual viewer might want to engage with, so proceed cautiously.
Available on Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD June 24th
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