Review by Gary Tooze

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Description: From directing duo Hélène Cattet & Bruno Forzani (AMER), comes this homage to the masters of classic Italian Giallo horror. Dan returns home to find his wife is missing. With no signs of struggle or break-in and with no help from the police, Dan's search for answers leads him down a psychosexual rabbit hole. THE STRANGE COLOR OF YOUR BODY'S TEARS is a bloody and taut fantasia of suspense that leaves the viewer entranced in this highly original erotic thriller.

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Belgian directors Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani follow up Amer with another extended use of Italian horror-thriller style to deliver an intense character study… instead of an archetypal giallo heroine, the focus is on Dan Kristensen (Klaus Tange), a man caught in an Argento-like trap in a beautiful yet sinister apartment building in which murders, shaggy-dog stories, disappearances, childhood memories and red herrings wind around him. Using a collage soundtrack, gorgeous décor, costume and cinematography, this is a world full of philosophical and criminal mysteries.

 

 

A hazy, stream-of-consciousness barrage of images and sounds that dredge up difficult to elucidate (and often uncomfortable) emotions is an ingredient many filmmakers use to spice up their stew. Most use it sparingly, if they dare at all. But since the dawn of cinema, surrealists have seized this artform to try and capture the ineffable quality of dreams.

“The Strange Colour of Your Body’s Tears” is a fantasia of death, sex, panic, confusion, primary colors, aggressive music, 60s modern interior design, nipples, blood and straight razors. Lengthy passages are unrelated to any discernible narrative, and seem to exist in that interzone your mind travels through just before it goes to sleep. You may be familiar – it’s often the time when your leg twitches, heart skips a beat and you slam open your eyes again.

Excerpt from Film.com located HERE

Image :    NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

The highly interesting The Strange Color of Your Body's Tears has arrived Blu-ray from Strand Releasing in the US. This is dual-layered with a max'ed bitrate and I expect this is an excellent representation of the theatrical appearance. There is a pleasing tightness and depth - as well as a thick style-infused texture to some of the visuals. The Strange Color of Your Body's Tears is filled with unusual, rapidly edited, images with intriguing intent. There are frequent eye close-ups, some split-screen sequences, tinting, black and white shots, stills etc. . It's great eye-candy and still is able to support a story. This Blu-ray seems to do its job in the video presentation. No complaints here. Certainly a 1080P image that you can get mesmerized by without noticing.

CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The audio is transferred in a DTS-HD Master 5.1 surround at 3633 kbps in original French. There are some head-turning separations but I was more interested in the soundtrack. I can't seem to find any 'credit' for it. It sounds a lot like Giallo 70's Italian scores - an electro-Morricone representation while leaning to progressive-rock with unusual groovy vibes. It's odd but very appealing after a fashion. Bravo! It's all technically pristine filling the room with the highly evocative cues. There are some effects with range and depth via the lossless. There are optional English subtitles offered and my Oppo has identified it as being a region FREE - playable worldwide.

NOTE: Michael tells us in email "There's no music score credit for THE STRANGE COLOR OF YOUR ETC listed on the IMDB but according to the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, SLANT, and various other sources, the soundtrack has been cobbled together from pre-existing gialli scores by Morricone, Nicolai, Goblin... " (Thanks Michael!)

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BOTTOM LINE:
There is a lot to like here and engulf yourself in the visual... party. I can see this not being everyone's cup-of-tea especially those entrenched in mainstream tastes - who may find the frenetic editing and pace irritating. Personally, I loved its uniqueness and surprising images flashing throughout the movie. Certainly a complex story worth revisiting and it will remind you or AMER if you have seen it. The Strand Releasing Blu-ray provides a wonderful presentation - supporting the impressive film with top-shelf a/v. If your mind is open to new cinema experiences - this should be at the top of your list. Recommended!  

Gary Tooze

November 29th, 2014

Also coming out in France and Germany on Blu-ray: