Forty Shades of Blue (DVD, 2006)

Forty Shades of Blue was awarded the 2005 Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Rip Torn plays an aging Memphis Record Producer struggling with his marriage to his new russian bride; his flailing relationship with his adult son; and his waning music career. This movie clearly pinpoints the source of his difficulties, where at one point during a party, he drunkenly shouts: "Music is the only thing I've ever cared about, it's My Heart".

I liked this movie, especially appreciating Northern Exposure's Darren E. Burrows reserved performance as the disgruntled son. The DVD is also filled with several musical performances and an interesting movie score. I must admit, that I prefer action movies or the suspense genre, and therefore my attention wandered at times. This is a 'slice-of-life' drama where the viewer is subtley given privy to the inner angst of each character. From this perspective, I can readily see how this movie garnered its Sundance Award.

If you're looking for in-depth characterizations and a window into the world of the misgivings of adult life, Forty Shades of Blue is an excellent DVD choice. I don't recommend this movie for anyone that requires action sequences or overt scenes of high drama. Forty Shades of Blue is drama on the down-low and a perfect representation of its kind.