Set in contemporary Madrid, an aging filmmaker named Miguel Garay is called upon to recount his memories of working on his final and still unfinished film, “The Farewell Gaze.” During its production, the lead actor and Miguel’s close friend, Julio Arenas, disappeared without a trace, leaving in his wake a mystery that would haunt the lives of everyone associated with the film. Miguel never directed another project, instead living a quiet life as a writer by the coast. He remained reluctant to unravel the mystery surrounding Julio until approached by an investigative television program reviving the case decades later. With careful reflection, he reconnects with the film’s crew, former lovers, and Julio’s daughter, seeking closure for the disappearance and what it meant for all of their lives.
Over three decades after the release of his previous film, revered Spanish auteur Víctor Erice (The Spirit of the Beehive, El Sur, and Dream of Light) returns with a “poignant cinematic swan song” (The Hollywood Reporter). A reflective culmination of Erice’s career in film, Close Your Eyes is a haunting meditation on memory, absence, and the enduring resonance of the moving image.
For in-depth thoughts on Close Your Eyes, please see my colleague Cameron Ritter’s review from its theatrical debut here.
Video Quality
Close Your Eyes arrives on Blu-Ray courtesy of Film Movement with a sumptuous 1080p presentation that deftly captures the look of this film. This is a visually delectable feature with a substantial amount of time spent outdoors, and the camera lovingly takes in every moment. There is exquisite detail in close-up shots, as well as wide shots of the breathtaking vistas. Colors are faithfully saturated and especially deep and nuanced within the natural world. Skin tones look consistent with subtle facial details on display. Black levels hold firm with no signs of crush, and highlights do not struggle with blooming. Compression artifacts and other digital anomalies are avoided entirely. This is one of the more visually impressive films of the year, and this disc allows it to shine.
Audio Quality
The Blu-Ray comes with a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track in the original Spanish that holds up very well. Dialogue is remarkably clear without being drowned out by the score or sound effects. The score from Federico Jusid establishes the right tone straight away and saturates the room with ideal fidelity. The movie is largely driven by dialogue, but the track comes alive with unique sounds of nature flowing out of the speakers. Environmental sounds come through well in the surrounding speakers with every detail receiving proper placement. The low end delivers some subtle texture to the proceedings without stealing focus. This track accomplishes everything that is asked of it. Optional English subtitles are available.
Special Features
- Erice Returns To The Cinema: A two-minute look at the return of Victor Erice behind the camera with interviews with the cast and creative team
- The Film: A two-minute exploration of the narrative being told in the film.
- What Is Close Your Eyes?: A minute-long discussion about the meaning behind the film.
- Erice On Film: A nearly two-minute examination of the directing style of Erice.
- Cinema As Memory: A minute-long piece on the veil between art and life.
- Trailer (2:00)
Final Thoughts
Close Your Eyes is a welcome return for a filmmaker who has not made as many film as many of his contemporaries yet manages to deliver near-masterpieces with every gift unto the world. This latest feature feels like the culmination of a life lived with yearning, bubbling creativity over the last couple of decades. It is the work of a masterful auteur who is reflecting on life and the impact art has had on it, yet it never feels self-indulgent or even reserved in its pacing. There is a great mystery at the heart of the film and the artist manages to open up a thematic reservoir that will stick with you for long after the film is complete. Film Movement has provided a Blu-Ray with a first-rate A/V presentation and a smattering of special features. Highly Recommended
Close Your Eyes is currently available to purchase on Standard Edition Blu-Ray or with a Limited Edition Slipcover exclusively through Vinegar Syndrome.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Film Movement and OCN Distribution have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
