Cold in July (2014)

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General		Extras
Category	Thriller	None
Rating
Year Of Production	2014
Running Time	109:59
RSDL / Flipper	Dual Layered	Cast & Crew
Start Up	Programme
Region Coding	4	Directed By	Jim Mickle
Studio Distributor	Umbrella Entertainment	Starring	Michael C. Hall Don Johnson Vinessa Shaw Wyatt Russell Sam Shepard Nick Damici
Case	?
RPI	$29.95	Music	Jeff Grace

Video		Audio
Pan & Scan/Full Frame	None	English Dolby Digital 5.1
Widescreen Aspect Ratio	2.40:1
16x9 Enhancement
Video Format	576i (PAL)
Original Aspect Ratio	2.40:1	Miscellaneous
Jacket Pictures	No
Subtitles	None	Smoking	Yes
		Annoying Product Placement	No
		Action In or After Credits	No

    Cold in July is a far superior motion picture than its humble pedigree suggests. An independent production, it only received a limited theatrical release in America, and went straight-to-video in most other territories around the world. Yet, this intricate crime thriller stands as one of 2014’s most nail-biting and riveting features, far more deserving of a wide audience than a lot of the garbage which polluted multiplexes throughout the year. Directed by Jim Mickle (Stake Land), Cold in July is a screen adaptation of Joe R. Lansdale’s 1989 novel of the same name, telling a bleak tale set in the American South. Mickle makes the most of whatever resources he had at his disposal - Cold in July is teeming with atmosphere and tension, benefitting from the director’s deft filmmaking sleight of hand. It’s superb cinema.

    In small-town Texas in 1989, Richard (Michael C. Hall) works as a picture framer, making his unremarkable living to support wife Ann (Vinessa Shaw) and young son Jordan (Brogan Hall). In the early hours of the morning one night, Richard hears commotion in the living room, which leads to him shooting and killing an intruder. With the burglar identified as a wanted felon, Richard is hailed as a hero by the locals, but he’s shaken by the incident, disturbed that he has taken a life. Soon, the dead man’s father, Ben (Sam Shepard), shows up out of nowhere, lurking around and making vague threats, which puts Richard on edge. Although the police set out to protect him and his family, some question marks in the police work begin to trouble Richard. Things are further complicated with the arrival of private detective Jim Bob (Don Johnson), who helps to shed a light on the mysteries that trouble Richard.

    At first, Cold in July shapes up to be a revenge movie of sorts, with Ben ostensibly determined to harm Richard and his family in response to the death of his son. Mickle dabbles in outright horror in the opening act, and the results are gripping to watch. But with the arrival of Jim Bob, the movie evolves into something entirely different seemingly out of nowhere, and it’s a huge credit to Mickle and co-writer Nick Damici (who also plays a detective) that the transition is so seamless. Although the set-up is not exactly groundbreaking at first glace, the twists and turns bestow Cold in July with more originality than lazier forays into the thriller genre. Besides, it’s the sense of atmosphere which makes the picture so memorable and mesmerising.

    Retaining the novel’s time period, Cold in July is set in 1989, and it actually feels like a product of the ‘80s. Period costuming and sets (not to mention odd hairstyles) populate the frame, the colour scheme is reminiscent of ’80s movies, and the flick is complemented by a beautifully retro, synch-driven score by Jeff Grace which was visibly inspired by the works of John Carpenter. The illusion would perhaps have been better served if Mickle shot the movie on film stock rather than with digital cameras, but this barely matters in the grand scheme of things. Cold in July is one of 2014’s manliest movies; it’s vehemently R-rated, with violence that pulls no punches and men who talk like real men. The finale is especially stunning, as the picture climaxes with a brutal, white-knuckle shootout which brings the story to a haunting end.

    Hall began work on Cold in July soon after wrapping up the TV show Dexter, perceiving the movie as an opportunity to try something different, expand his range, and avoid being typecast. Frankly, it’s difficult to imagine any other actor playing this role as successfully as Hall, who’s highly convincing every step of the way. He sells Richard’s fear and anxiety, on top of coming off as a believable father and husband. Yet, it’s also understated work, and Hall is perfectly supported by both Johnson and Shepard, who submit truly brilliant performances.

    It’s difficult to pigeonhole Cold in July into any one genre. Mickle mixes in elements of film noir, thrillers, detective stories, police procedurals, revenge flicks with a smidge of horror, but it cannot be strictly classified as any of the above. The movie is its own unique creation, a distinctive feature which deserves to be seen for its top-notch cinematic technique and a host of sublimely focused performances from some of the finest thespians working in motion pictures today. It’s truly saddening that it will probably remain an obscure cult curiosity despite the tremendous critical acclaim it rightfully received.

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    I was unable to find any information on the supplemental content on international DVDs. Umbrella has only released Cold in July on DVD, neglecting Blu-ray, which is odd and frustrating. The Region A Blu-ray release contains the following extras:

• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Jim Mickle, Star Michael C. Hall and Writer/Actor Nick Damici
• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Jim Mickle, Cinematographer Ryan Samul, Composer Jeff Grace and Producer Linda Moran
• 5.1 Isolated Score
• Deleted Scenes
• Previsualization Tests
• Q&A at the Jean Cocteau with Jim Mickle, Joe R. Lansdale and George R.R. Martin
• Trailers

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