The Beatnicks – DVD Review

The Film:

In the film, the two Nicks (Norman Reedus and Mark Boone Junior) learn some truths aren’t worth digging up, but sometimes in film making, stuff gets lost and found. Such was the case for The Beatnicks, a film that premiered at a few festivals then disappeared. Things like this happen more often than most movie watchers know, as the market gets flooded, movies get seen and unseen all because of distribution. Sometimes the sands of time will bury a film for people never to see the light of day again, and then sometimes someone goes digging.

It helped by the time this film was sought after by fans, that Norman Reedus was in the cult sensation The Boondock Saints. Fans got curious about his past filmography (even though this was ‘completed’ after 1999), and low and behold they got curious on this film. Then the digging began. Are some films better left unseen? Or can we thank those few curious cats who sought a film out to be resurrected on DVD for a new life? That’s the fine line The Beatnicks walks.

The film follows to down-on-the-luck would-be poet/musicians as they find a strange box that when opened, allows their creativity to flow. Knowing that this strange little box could be their ticket to stardom, they go out to find a gig. Along the way, Nick falls for a nightclub owner’s wife, and the other Nick goes out on a road to self-discovery. Fused with solid acting from Norman Reedus, Mark Boone Junior, and Eric Roberts, the film is interesting in that regard. It’s a slow burn film, with little action, other than moody scenes of dialogue and Fortune cookie philosophy talk, The Beatnicks is more for fans of true indie film making and not The Boondock Saints fans.

Nicholson Williams has a great eye for composing shots and scenes, as the film really looks great from that technical standpoint. Overall, the cinematography along with the nature of the story, creates an ethereal feeling to it all. Yet, it’s more of a curiosity than something to watch on a summer Saturday. Because of the ethereal sensibilities, many might find the whole thing boring, but again, it’s really not for that crowd. It’s free form in a lot of areas, making its 96 minute running time feel longer than it should. It’s meandering as well, as potentially interesting as it is, it never gets going making it very frustrating. Alas, fans clamored for it, and The Beatnicks is resurrected for everyone to see. It should, at the very least, be seen as another reason why Norman Reedus is a great actor, but currently an underused one.

The DVD:

Audio/Video: Aslan International has released this film on DVD and the technical aspects are a bit disappointing. The video has letterboxing all around the frame, scenes are washed out and soft. I’m inclined to say that it looks like a work print version of the film and not a full finished cut. There’s noticeable shakiness in the picture as well.   The sound is soft and front centered making me think that the film is unfinished. While it’s nice to have a film saved, after the neglect it was treated, it’s a hard watch technically.

The extras include the film’s Trailer, a Photo Gallery, a Deleted Scene, and an Alternate Ending. Pretty slim, as a commentary or interview with the director would have been enlightening due to the film’s nature.

Conclusion: Sure, The Boondock Saints fans saved the film, but it’s not for them. It’s aimed at the adventurous art house crowd.

The Film: Rating:

The DVD: Rating: