Blu-ray Review: Smart People

Release Date: August 12th, 2008
Running Time: 95 minutes

The Film

As difficult as it is to make a bombastic summer blockbuster, it is just as hard to craft a more intimate, character-driven story. Character or story flaws cannot be masked with special effects. Smart People is a small film that has its moments, but ultimately I felt that the ensemble piece was a bit lacking at its core.

Dennis Quaid stars as Lawrence Waterhole–an emotionally closed English professor at Carnegie-Mellon University who is more into his fledgling life work than his students or family. His lack of attention has made his perfect-on-the-outside daughter, Vanessa (Ellen Page), distant. His relationship is almost non-existent with his son who goes to the same college Lawrence teaches at, but left home to live on campus. In fact, the son is so seldom seen that the whole character could have been removed from the plot.

Of all things, a seizure ends up changing Lawrence’s life. Lawrence finds himself in the emergency room treated by Dr. Janet Hartigan (Sarah Jessica Parker), and he proceeds to pursue a relationship with her, relatively new territory since his wife passed. Lawrence is also forced to deal with his issues with his adopted brother, Chuck (Thomas Haden Church), due to being unable to drive for six months. This results in an agreement where Chuck stays with the family, but has to act as Lawrence’s chauffeur. Being around the family more, Chuck also takes the time to bond with Vanessa as only the “cool” uncle can, giving her the attention she has been craving

Once all of the characters are set, the film doesn’t have much of an overall direction. Rather, it focuses on how Chuck and Janet change the dull existence of the Waterhole family. As a character study, there are certainly enough interesting subjects that evolve and change, but I often felt like I was just watching random, but well done, scenes from this world, and not following a specific plot.

The Disc

The video is presented in a 2.40:1, 1080p High Definition transfer. The print is clean with no visible compression artifacts and only a slight bit of grain. The colors are accurate and the black levels are strong. The flesh tones are a tad dark, but it is a wholly acceptable transfer considering the type of film.

The audio is offered in English Uncompressed PCM 5.1 Surround Sound, as well as English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound with English/French/Spanish subtitles. Since the film is mostly dialogue driven, there are very few moments of surround usage, especially with the rear speaker. The occasional atmospheric effect will enhance a scene, but for the most part this is a front-loaded track. There are no issues with clarity or balance. It’s not a reference disc by any mean but, like the video, it is appropriate for the material.

The Extras

Commentary is offered with Director Noam Murro and Writer Mark Jude Poirier. It is a subdued track that remains focused, but isn’t too engaging.

“The Smartest People” is a 17-minute EPK featurette with cast/crew interviews discussing the production.

“Smart People at Sundance” is a 4-minute segment from the Sundance Film Festical with interviews from the director and cast.

“Not So Smart” is a 2-minute gag reel.

Lastly, 9 Deleted Scenes are offered, as well as HD Previews.

Final Thoughts

Smart People has some interesting characters, but I felt that it lacked the focus to make it a truly cohesive story. I’d recommend renting the title before purchasing if the plot is something that interests you.