Simpatico
March 2001 Reviewed by: Doug Schneider Format: DVD	(all ratings out of 5): Overall Enjoyment Picture Quality Packaged Extras Sound Quality

Simpatico is a film I picked up and examined closely at the video store (dozens of times) but never bothered to rent or buy. It looked intriguing enough, but for whatever reason, I would always get something else that caught my eye. It was like I was avoiding it or something. After months of doing this little ritual, I finally forced myself to rent it. I don’t why I put off watching it because I enjoyed it.

The film is based on a play by Sam Shepard and "feels" that way onscreen -- a small cast, lots of dialogue, simple in-room settings, etc. It’s an intriguing tale, told largely through flashbacks, of two friends who shared a close relationship in the past that haunts them today. It’s similar to Under Suspicion, a compelling suspense drama that I reviewed last month. Like that movie, the performances of the two leads (in this case Bridges and Nolte) are what make it click. Sharon Stone also has a small but effective role.

Nick Nolte is Vinnie, a down-and-out drunk living in California. The movie opens with a panicked phone call to his friend Carter (Jeff Bridges). Vinnie tells Carter that the police are going to arrest him and he knows he’s going to have to eventually tell them everything. We have no idea what it is he could tell them, but we suspect it must, obviously, be bad. Carter, a wealthy man in Kentucky, is now panicking like Vinnie. He drops everything and catches the first plane to California to try and control the situation.

It’s obvious from the beginning that Vinnie has got "something" on Carter, and that "something," we learn, can incriminate both of them. However, the down-and-out Vinnie no longer has anything to lose -- essentially, he’s a bum. Now, Carter has everything, including championship race horses and other things that were once Vinnie’s. Still, Vinnie has power over Carter, the guy with something to lose, and they both know it. For any more, you’ll have to watch the movie; otherwise, I’ll give too much away.

In terms of the technical details, this DVD looks and sounds great -- really great. The story has a dark tone to it and the cinematography mirrors that with a gorgeous, dark, moody look in most scenes. The video image has been transferred exceedingly well from film with great color and outstanding detail. Contrast is properly rendered, and definition, even into the shadows, is wonderfully displayed. Back in the older days of videotape and laser disc, the rich, red-toned colors would have been bleeding from one into the other. This DVD is sharp and distinct.

The sound is the equal to the image. There’s outstanding clarity, abundant detail, excellent channel separation, and effective use of surround-type effects. Good video and sound quality is most often associated with blockbuster, action flicks. It’s nice to see the care and attention taken on a smaller film like this.

What this release lacks, though, is extras. There simply isn’t all that much included except for the obligatory theatrical trailer and some text-based bios that may be of interest to some.

Simpatico isn’t really a movie many will want to own, but it is a good rental bet. If you like strong, character-driven dramas in a well-conceived story, this one is worth viewing.

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