‘Going Places’ Blu-Ray Review – A Hedonistic French Farce Which Pushes The Boundaries Of Decency

In this controversial and notorious buddy film, director Bertrand Blier (GET OUT YOUR HANDKERCHIEFS) created what critic Pauline Kael described as “an explosively funny erotic farce – both a celebration and a satire of men’s daydreams.” Gerard Depardieu (in the role that would make him an international star) and Patrick Dewaere portray Jean-Claude and Pierrot, two amoral drifters who travel the French countryside committing petty crimes and harassing the women they encounter, including Miou-Miou, Jeanne Moreau, and, in an early role, Isabelle Huppert. Perpetually on the run from the police and the women they encounter, the two are always just one step ahead of death or imprisonment as a result of their crime spree, but, as Kevin Thomas in the LA Times observes, ”Blier is interested more in Jean-Claude and Pierrot as sexual chauvinists than as petty criminals, and as they learn to become more considerate lovers they become more likable. Above all, they embody the sure-fire appeal of all movie anti-heroes, free-spirits who live entirely for the moment and at all times follow their impulses.” Graced with a justly famous score by Stéphane Grappelli, GOING PLACES remains as shocking and outrageous today as it did upon its initial release.

For thoughts on Going Places, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

[youtube https://youtu.be/tZ_w9yoCx1s?t=1337]

Video Quality

Going Places comes to Blu-Ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original 1.67:1 that does not seem to be noted as being from a new restoration. This was previously distributed on Blu-Ray by Kino Classics over a decade ago, but we do not have that disc to compare. Even if this happens to be from an older source, the transfer holds up quite well. Minor specks of print damage remain as a part of the image, but they are not a huge distraction. By and large, this transfer shows off a lot of clarity and detail. The close-ups hold up more favorably than most long shots, which can appear a bit soft. 

Black levels hold up decently with some detail in shadows and only a minor amount of crush. Digital noise does not prove to be an ever-present issue. Colors are saturated pretty well in a way that makes environments stand out, although you do get some variances in color temperature in a few instances. Skin tones are natural and consistent with subtle features easily noticeable in closeup. The Cohen Film Collection has provided a solid enough release for this one. 

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray disc comes with a very steady DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track in the original French with forced English subtitles. The dialogue is the star of the show which stays focused on the center channel as it comes through clearly without being consumed by competing sounds. The track establishes a strong balance with all competing elements so that dialogue comes through clearly. The score radiates out in an appealing manner throughout the duration of the film. Environmental sounds such as car noises or murmuring crowds are rendered well alongside everything else. There does not seem to be any major instances of age-related wear and tear. This audio presentation offers no major impediments. 

Special Features

• Audio Commentary: Professor of Film Studies at Columbia University Richard Peña provides an informative commentary track in which he discusses the legacy of this film, the backgrounds of the performers and creative figures, the immoral revolt against society, the surrealistic tendencies of the narrative, and more that helps put this film into context. 

• Trailer: The minute-long trailer is provided here. 

Final Thoughts

Going Places can be a tough watch simply due to the repugnant nature of the main characters. This in and of itself is not an issue as cinema does not need to be moral to be effective. Yet, it does lead to a larger issue in that the characters do not have a substantial arc that changes them in any real way, or at least offers them pause outside of a handful of moments here and there. The performances are very committed and there are sequences that are quite intriguing, but the relatively static nature of the narrative is a bit hard to overcome. Cohen Media Group and Kino Classics have delivered a Blu-Ray with a fine A/V presentation and an insightful commentary track. If you are a fan of the talent involved, it is worth checking out to form your own opinion. 

Going Places is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray and Digital. 

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Cohen Media Group and Kino Lorber 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.