The Director's Commentary
February 2, 2009
Director Barbra Streisand provides running commentary throughout the
newly released DVD of "Yentl," with occasional assistance by "Yentl's" co-executive producer,
Rusty Lemorande. You can tell that "Yentl" was Barbra's labor of
love. Her detailed recollections of almost every aspect of the film,
from casting to lighting to location, are uncanny in their detail.
If you didn't know any better, you might assume that Barbra
completed the film just last week instead of some twenty-five years
ago. Her commentary is that engaging.
As expected, Barbra offers a lot of information on the technical
aspects of making the film. She talks proudly of how
her crew was able to create the look and feel of Poland in 1904,
exactly as she envisioned it during pre-production scouting
trips. As you watch the film, Barbra discusses why she used a
Rembrandt-like color palette throughout the picture. We learn how
certain scenes employed natural lighting to enhance particular
emotional crossroads
in the film. And she even fesses up
by telling us that
several key outdoor scenes were actually shot in England.
As for her co-stars, Barbra offers only minor insights. While the casting process, a technical element
of the film, is explored thoroughly, how each actor individually
enhanced the film did not really come up in Barbra's commentary. I
really wanted to know Barbra's assessment of Mandy Patinkin and Amy
Irving's performances, from an artistic
point of view, and in retrospect. But it's been more than two decades, so I guess she can't be
expected to remember everything.
Interestingly,
Barbra pays homage to director Ingmar Bergman. She met
Bergman in Sweden when Elliott Gould was working for him in 1970 ("The Touch"). Barbra learned
a lot during her brief visit to the Bergman set. Recalling how the
legendary director plied his craft, Barbra describes how she
successfully emulated Bergman's techniques during "Yentl's" critical
wedding night scene.
The feature commentary ends, as you might expect, with Barbra
telling us about her father and why she dedicated the picture to
him. As she explains it, it was so that she could actually have a
father, not just for the two-plus hours of "Yentl," but for all
time. A nice sentiment indeed.
A highlight of "Yentl's" many bonus features are the Deleted
Scenes. Barbra offers a look at some extraordinary performances
that, because of time constraints, had to be left out of the film's
final cut. You'll especially enjoy a scene when the book seller
recognizes Yentl disguised as Anshel. Their dialogue, and her reaction at almost being
exposed, is priceless.
There is also a bonus segment called The Director's Reel. If you've
ever wondered how Barbra was able to wear both director's and
actor's hats at the same time, this feature explains all. You'll be amazed watching Barbra's
versatility as she juggles both roles simultaneously.
The Rehearsal Footage is yet another feature on the DVD that
will have you captivated. Barbra originally explored the concept for most of
the film's musical numbers by first committing them to amateur video
tape. We get to see how the final scenes matched up with Barbra's
initial concept in side by side comparisons. Compelling, yes, and
quite
entertaining, too. Alan and Marilyn Bergman playing the two tailors
opposite Barbra is an entertaining moment you'll surely savor. But
the real bonuses here are the alternate Streisand vocals we're
treated to.
Barbra, and all
those
who worked on the director's extended edition of "Yentl" are to be
commended. Not since Criterion released "The Prince of Tides" on
laser disc has there ever been a more complete video anthology of a
Streisand film. MGM has achieved what others have failed to do with
previous Streisand DVD releases. Simply put, the "Yentl" DVD
embraces the technology to its fullest. This DVD set offers hours of
fascinating bonus features, much of it coming from Barbra's own
private vaults, being showcased here for the very first time. It's
an unprecedented collection of material that, together, provides the
most comprehensive profile of any Streisand motion picture.
"Yentl" is Barbra Streisand's masterpiece. This new DVD version
does the film, and its
illustrious
filmmaker justice. |
