‘Jennifer 8’ Builds A Big Mystery [Blu-ray Review]
Anthony Arrigo
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Bruce Robinson, an English writer-director-actor, was known primarily for his two satirical comedies Withnail and I (1987) and How to Get Ahead in Advertising (1989) before making a stateside debut with Jennifer 8 (1992). His original script, also going by the title A Policeman’s Story, was a dramatic, measured neo-noir detective yarn about a serial killer who preys on blind women. Paramount, the studio producing the picture, was undergoing a regime change around this time and although Robinson’s final cut manages to capture the essence of his initial take the experience was apparently so thoroughly awful he vowed never to direct another film again. He did eventually break that promise with 2011’s The Rum Diary but the length of time between gigs should be enough to affirm his displeasure.
It’s a shame because Jennifer 8 is not a bad film by any means, though a cursory glance at reviews shows a clear disparity among critics. Robinson’s film is unconventional, eschewing much of the glitz expected from a traditional picture in favor of something personal and cold.
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John Berlin (Andy Garcia) is a former big city (read: L.A.) cop who has relocated to the small coastal California town of Eureka after a nasty divorce. His friend, fellow officer Freddy Ross (Lance Henriksen), has been stationed there a long time and welcomes his burned-out buddy with open arms. The two men investigate the murder of a local derelict and during a search of the crime scene Berlin discovers a severed hand and bloody brassiere. Looking further into the evidence Berlin is convinced the hand belongs to a missing woman, given the nickname “Jennifer”, and that she is one of several women either dead or still unaccounted for. The eighth, to be exact.
Berlin’s sleuthing leads him to the apartment of blind music teacher Helena (Uma Thurman), whose roommate, Amber, has been missing for some time. Berlin is convinced she is the eighth “Jennifer”. A romance blossoms between Helena and John, because she reminds him of his ex-wife, and that budding relationship complicates a case already fraught with issues.
Jennifer 8 starts fairly strong, with the central mystery being investigated in a forensic and procedural manner. Berlin is seen in the police offices examining the evidence, piecing together disparate elements, and doing the hard work to tie together these unsolved cases. At some point, however, it begins to feel like the story is getting away from itself, spinning its wheels and struggling to congeal all the plot points to deliver a thrilling third act.
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It seems odd the other officers refuse to accept Berlin’s hunch about the same killer being responsible for other, similar murders. Likewise, Berlin comes across as a staunch cop yet he breaks an unwritten rule by romancing the main witness in his own case. Garcia also plays Berlin with the kind of manic energy employed by Al Pacino in Heat (1995)—wild, passionate, and yelling a lot. That, or he’s mumbling. The guy doesn’t seem to have a second gear.
An unexpected actor in a minor role nearly practically steals the show from the rest of the cast: John Malkovich, playing an internal investigator who questions Berlin when a stakeout goes wrong. Malkovich brings many acting nuances to his character, delivering lines with idiosyncratic traits while goading and taunting Berlin dispassionately. He does just what a man in his unwelcomed position should do, and he’s so good at doing it you just want more of him on screen.
The third act brings the expected reveal of who is behind these killings and I must admit the motive is… certainly nothing I could have guessed. It has the kind of convolution typically reserved for a giallo. Quite honestly, the movie spends so much time building up this big mystery that not only does the reveal fall kinda flat but the film devolves into something a little more typical for the finale… but I will say there is a “gotcha” moment that did, in fact, get me. Scream Factory has included two cuts of the film here: a theatrical and an extended cut, with the difference being the ending goes on longer. I can safely say the succinct finale is far more effective.
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Jennifer 8 was issued in 2013 on Blu-ray by Warner Bros. via their Paramount distro deal. This new Scream Factory release offers a 2023 4K scan of the original camera negative. The 1.85:1 1080p picture capably reproduces the bleak, dreary atmosphere captured by the legendary Conrad Hall’s cinematography. The image is earthen and cold, nearly drained of color, favoring muted tones and rainy environments. There is such an absence of bold color that when it does appear, such as during the scene where Helena calls for a taxi cab, the primary hues are beaming. This was all intentional for Hall’s look, and even with those imposed constraints the picture exhibits strong detailing, dark black levels, and stable contrast.
English DTS-HD MA 2.0 and 5.1 tracks are available. Expect to hear clear dialogue, occasional use of rear channels, simple sound design – nothing spectacular… other than composer Christopher Young’s score. Robinson says in the bonus features the first score, from Maurice Jarre, was rejected and what Young delivers could not complement the film better. Young’s score is chilling, reflective, dramatic, and contemplative. He uses sparse piano cues and firm, minimal percussion to drive the story of Berlin’s obsession. Fantastic work. Subtitles are available in English SDH.
“Is It Dark Yet?” Looking Back at Jennifer 8 (HD, 42:38) – This is a great supplement, featuring interviews with Bruce Robinson, Andy Garcia, and Lance Henriksen, all recently conducted. Each of the men has plenty to recall about the film’s production, shooting schedule, studio problems, cut scenes, and much more.
Deleted alternate ending (HD, 5:44) is the same one seen in the extended cut.
Original theatrical trailer (HD, 2:22) is also included.
Special Features:
- NEW 4K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE (2023)
- NEW Two Cuts Of The Film, Including A Never-Before-Seen Alternate Ending
- NEW “Is It Dark Yet?” Looking Back At Jennifer 8 – A Retrospective With Brand-New Interviews With Writer/Director Bruce Robinson And Stars Andy Garcia And Lance Henriksen
- NEW Deleted Alternate Ending
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Optional English subtitles for the main feature
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Jennifer 8
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Special Features
Summary
Jennifer 8 is an atypical crime thriller that manages to get more right than wrong. Scream Factory’s special edition is light on bonus features but the few included are worthwhile.
