The Movie
The loss of a child is perhaps the most profound tragedy a human being can endure, and so it has been mined for dramatic gold countless times over the years. As such, Rabbit Hole is somewhat predictable, an exceptionally well-cast exploration of familial grief wherein we witness disparate characters coping with their senseless pain in different ways.
Nicole Kidman is sublimely, affectingly unhinged as Becca, the mom at the center of it all. Her four-year-old son was hit and killed by a car eight months ago, and in one of the movie's few actual story points, she enters a tenuous friendship with the teenager who was behind the wheel on that fateful day. She is quite clearly the star in every sense, as fine performers like Aaron Eckhart and Dianne Wiest seem to exist only in reaction to her every mood swing. It's a thespian paradise, but also a very modern take on a classic theme.
Here's a carrot for you: Why not dive into David Kempler's review of Rabbit Hole, too?
The Picture
Captured with the state-of-the-art Red One digital camera, the 16:9 Rabbit Hole boasts absolutely gorgeous clarity, undeniable right from the razor-sharp leaves and blades of grass in the opening shots. The subtleties of focus are perfectly maintained, color is manipulated exquisitely, and the blacks almost always convey natural, believable levels of detail. There is some video noise, but so little as to be forgiven.
The Sound
I've commented in the past on Lionsgate's admirable embrace of the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 standard for some of their TV-on-Blu-ray releases, although it might not be entirely necessary if the original soundtrack is not a particularly elaborate mix. Such is the case with the 7.1-channel Rabbit Hole, which offers clarity certainly but the movie is almost entirely dialogue, all up front. There is faint room tone in the surrounds, or some breeze or music and so on, but it's all rather vague and very low-key, as was surely the filmmakers' choice. So what we have here is atmosphere. Lots and lots and lots of atmosphere.
The Extras
Writer David Lindsay-Abaire--who adapted his play for his screenplay--and director of photography Frank G. DeMarco join director John Cameron Mitchell for the lively, eclectic audio commentary. We are also given three deleted scenes (three minutes total, in HD), curiously out of sequence, and all either featuring or about the character of Becca's sister Izzy, played by Tammy Blanchard. I know a couple of actors, so I'm guessing that she for one will likely be eager to pick up this disc.
Final Thoughts
Brilliantly capturing the many subtle shadings of heartache, and surprisingly well-produced on a technical level, Rabbit Hole is a gripping drama, if you can handle the difficult subject matter.
Product Details
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