Gillian Armstrong's lusciously shot film Charlotte Gray is the story of one woman's journey into France during World War II as an undercover agent working with the French Resistance. The romantic elements take center stage, though everything is framed as a war drama. It is always beautiful to behold. It's good drama, well paced and directed with enthusiasm.
      Jeremy Brock delivers a highly intelligent script for Charlotte Gray. Perhaps there's a touch of heavy-handed grandstanding here and there and maybe some elements suggest a girls' adventure novel, but overall it's powerfully developed with interesting characters. The transitions in the film are nicely done, from Charlotte's introduction, to the introduction of her romance, to her recruitment, to her war role, to the drop to France. It works in what seems to be a natural order for this film.

Like an Impressionist portrait. ©Warner

     Director Armstrong is sensitive to the material and tone. The romantic elements color everything, and that's as it should be. Her sense from scene to scene has cinematic integrity. The opening love scene is beautifully evolved. It's charming and touching. And that first scene in the French cafe is very involving. I was not quite sure about what was going on there, but the tension sets up a lot about character and strength.
    Dion Beebe delivers the goods in spades with elegant sweeping cinematography. The camera adds an extra measure of luster to the production. The world around Charlotte takes on a hyper-reality. Production design is stunning, from the London location, to the French villages. Period details look perfect. First class travel all the way!
     Cate looks great as Charlotte. Gillian Armstrong has shot her so beautifully and Cate fits in the clothing and the times so well. Armstrong loves making Blanchett look beautiful. Good match up between Cate Blanchett and Billy Crudup. Crudup is very convincing as young Julien Levade. They seem to have very good screen chemistry. Michael Gambon is outstanding as Levade senior. He's hides under an abrasive shell, but there's a strength and a good man under the armor.
     Warner has delivered a stunning DVD in Charlotte Gray. The color is so sumptuous it takes your breath away. The lavender opening again a green border is pure picture postcard with some of the most enticing purple I have ever seen on video. Detail is outstanding. Lovely skin tones. We're in reference territory with consistently sharp images with no edginess. Blacks are very deep. Color resolution is outstanding with a full range. It's a very glossy look. The train traveling over the bridge against the lush greenery is beautiful. Shadow detail is excellent. Get a gander at those fabulous fabric textures. You can run your eye's hand across the fabrics and feel the subtleties. Color range is truly brilliant. Just a touch of slight edginess intrudes on certain scenes. Fine, detailed sound with excellent specificity. Dialogue is easy to understand. The music has a lovely open feel. It surrounds the image and wraps itself around it. Outstanding bass extension on the explosions.
     Special edition includes audio commentary from director Gillian Armstrong. A consistently intelligent presence, Armstrong shares her enthusiasm for the project and the players. A four-minute short revisits the French settings. Another segment just shy of four minutes looks at the experience of the characters. A theatrical trailer completes the package.

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