Pleasantville

Details

David is settling down for a television marathon of his favourite 1950s sitcom, Pleasantville, but his sister Jennifer has other ideas and wants to watch an MTV concert with her boyfriend instead. During the inevitable argument over the remote control it breaks, leaving the television stuck on one channel. Moments later the doorbell rings and a mysterious television repairman appears with an unusual replacement remote, insisting that it will solve all of their problems.

The argument quickly resumes and, during the ensuing struggle for the remote, David and Jennifer are suddenly transported into the black-and-white world of Pleasantville itself. Now trapped inside the idyllic television town, they must assume the identities of two of the programme's teenage stars whilst desperately trying not to disrupt the carefully scripted lives of its unsuspecting residents. Unfortunately for David, Jennifer has absolutely no intention of sticking to the script.

The problem is that Pleasantville exists according to strict sitcom rules. Books contain no words, firemen have never encountered a real fire, basketball players never miss a shot and every day follows exactly the same predictable routine. As David and Jennifer introduce new ideas, emotions and experiences that would never have appeared in a wholesome 1950s television series, the town slowly begins to awaken. Curiosity replaces routine, creativity replaces conformity and, one by one, the townsfolk begin to discover colour in every sense of the word.

As more of Pleasantville changes, not everyone welcomes the transformation. Whilst some embrace their new emotions and freedoms, others become fearful of the unfamiliar world developing around them, leading to growing tensions within the once perfect community. Before long David and Jennifer find themselves at the centre of a conflict that threatens to change Pleasantville forever.

Picture & Sound

The picture quality is superb throughout, which is especially important for a film that relies so heavily on its groundbreaking visual effects.

Although the film appears to begin entirely in black and white, it was actually photographed in full colour before being digitally manipulated, allowing selected objects and characters to gradually regain their colour as Pleasantville itself begins to change. The transition is seamless, with no obvious signs of edge enhancement or digital artefacts, and remains one of the most impressive uses of visual effects of its era. As more colour slowly invades the once monochrome world, the image becomes increasingly striking, culminating in some genuinely beautiful cinematography.

Audio is naturally a more restrained affair, relying less on spectacular surround effects and more on dialogue and Randy Newman's wonderfully nostalgic score. The centre channel remains crisp throughout, whilst the music gently spreads across the front and rear speakers to create a warm atmosphere. It's hardly a demonstration disc, but the soundtrack perfectly complements the film's gentle pace, humour and emotional moments.

Menu & Extras

The menus are simply animated and scored with selections from Randy Newman's soundtrack, setting exactly the right mood before the film begins. Whilst the collection of extras isn't enormous, everything included is worthwhile.

The standout feature is The Art of Pleasantville, which explores the remarkable visual techniques used to blend colour and monochrome photography. Gary Ross also provides an informative audio commentary discussing both the production and the themes behind the story, whilst Randy Newman's isolated score allows viewers to appreciate one of the film's most overlooked strengths.

Overall

On the surface, Pleasantville appears to be a simple fantasy comedy about two teenagers trapped inside a 1950s television sitcom. However, beneath the humour lies a surprisingly intelligent film that tackles conformity, censorship, prejudice and the fear of change. As colour slowly spreads throughout Pleasantville it becomes a clever metaphor for individuality, creativity and emotional freedom, whilst the increasingly hostile reaction from those determined to preserve the old order gives the story far more depth than you might initially expect.

The banter between David and Jennifer is excellent throughout the film. David desperately tries to keep events following the original television script whilst Jennifer gleefully turns the town upside down. Their completely opposite personalities create many of the film's funniest moments, whilst the supporting cast gradually transform from one-dimensional sitcom stereotypes into genuinely believable characters. Joan Allen, Jeff Daniels and William H. Macy are particularly impressive as they slowly begin to question the lives they've always accepted without hesitation.

Visually, the film remains every bit as impressive today as it did upon release. The gradual transition from black and white into colour never feels like a simple technical gimmick but instead becomes an essential part of the storytelling. Combined with Randy Newman's evocative score and some genuinely touching performances, it creates a film that is both emotionally engaging and visually unforgettable.

Pleasantville may not enjoy the same reputation as many of the other fantasy films released during the late 1990s, but it richly deserves to be rediscovered. Funny, thoughtful, beautifully acted and technically groundbreaking, it remains one of the most original films of its generation. Coupled with an excellent DVD presentation and a worthwhile selection of extras, this is an easy recommendation and a film that becomes even more rewarding with every viewing.

Special features

• Audio Commentary by Writer/Director Gary Ross
• Isolated Score with Commentary by Composer Randy Newman
• The Art Of Pleasantville - Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
• Fiona Apple Music Video - "Across the Universe"
• Storyboard Gallery
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Colour Television Set-Up Guide
• DVD-ROM Enhanced