“A Stranger Among Us” (1992)
Drama
Running Time: 109 minutes
Written by: Robert J. Avrech
Directed by: Sidney Lumet
Featuring: Melanie Griffith
Shayna: “It’s in the Kabbalah. Women understand the world better than men do. And that is why they weep more often.”
Sidney Lumet’s A Stranger Among Us is an unusual mixture of crime thriller, romantic drama and cultural exploration that never quite manages to bring all its elements together, but remains an interesting entry in the director’s extensive filmography.
Melanie Griffith stars as Emily Eden, a tough New York police detective who finds herself investigating a murder and diamond theft within Brooklyn’s tightly knit Hasidic Jewish community. As she goes undercover to uncover the truth, Emily finds herself increasingly fascinated by a way of life that is completely foreign to her. Her investigation also brings her into contact with Ariel (Eric Thal), a deeply religious young man who challenges her outlook on life and relationships.
The film has an intriguing premise, and Lumet’s direction demonstrates his usual interest in examining people and communities from the inside. There are some genuinely fascinating glimpses into Hasidic traditions, religious customs and family life, which give the film an identity beyond its fairly conventional murder mystery.
Unfortunately, the screenplay struggles with its mixture of genres. The murder investigation is never particularly gripping, while the romantic storyline feels awkward and occasionally unconvincing. Griffith’s performance is also something of an acquired taste. Her tough, outspoken detective often feels out of place, although that is arguably part of the character’s intended journey.
Eric Thal makes a sympathetic impression as Ariel, while the supporting cast includes several familiar faces, including a young James Gandolfini.
There are also aspects of the film’s portrayal of Hasidic Jewish culture that feel simplistic and dated, and the screenplay doesn’t always explore the more complicated issues raised by its subject matter.
Nevertheless, there is something rather appealing about this unconventional film. It may not rank alongside Lumet’s finest work, but it is certainly an interesting curiosity for anyone who enjoys exploring the less celebrated corners of his career.
The Imprint Blu-ray Presentation
Imprint Films brings A Stranger Among Us to Blu-ray as part of its Directed By… Sidney Lumet: Volume Two (1978–1999) collection.
The 1080p presentation offers a respectable improvement over the older Mill Creek double-feature release. The picture is generally pleasing, with reasonably natural colours, acceptable black levels and some good facial and environmental detail. However, the transfer isn’t particularly spectacular, and certain scenes appear noticeably softer than others. It looks like a film that would benefit from a completely new restoration, but what’s presented here is perfectly watchable.
Audio is provided via an English 2.0 Stereo Linear PCM soundtrack. Dialogue is clear and well balanced, while the musical score and background effects are reproduced satisfactorily. Given the nature of the film, a more elaborate surround presentation isn’t really necessary.
English HOH subtitles are also included.
Special Features
- Balancing Pleasure with Pain: Finding Lumet – 50-minute documentary featurette examining Lumet’s filmmaking career.
- Original theatrical trailer.
The documentary is a worthwhile addition for anyone interested in Sidney Lumet’s career, although a dedicated retrospective focusing on A Stranger Among Us would have been welcome.
Final Verdict
A Stranger Among Us is far from a perfect film, and its awkward combination of police procedural, romance and cultural drama prevents it from becoming the compelling experience it might have been. However, Sidney Lumet’s involvement, the unusual subject matter and some interesting supporting performances make it worth revisiting.
Imprint’s Blu-ray is a solid presentation, with respectable picture and sound quality and a worthwhile career documentary. It isn’t a reference-quality release, but it is a welcome opportunity to revisit one of Lumet’s more overlooked films.
For Sidney Lumet enthusiasts and collectors, this is a worthwhile addition to the collection.
Leave a Reply