PU-239 – DVD Review

In early ’90s Communist Russia, Timofey Berezin (Paddy Considine) is a sensible family man who works at a local nuclear power plant. In his attempt to repair a faulty pipe, he is unexpectedly caught up in a bad accident and his cries for help through the tiny porthole window are denied by his co-workers. He has no choice but to wait it out and hope for the best. When it comes time to survey the physical damage, the executives tell him that he has only been exposed to 100 REMS and he is suspended without pay. His co-workers do some further investigating and find out that he has actually been exposed to 1000 REMS (the citizens of Hiroshima were exposed to less) and he only has a few days to live.

In a desperate attempt to secure a future for his wife (Rhada Mitchell) and young son after his inevitable passing, Timofey steals a vial of weapons grade plutonium hoping to sell it on the black market in Moscow. He meets up with the film’s other star, Shiv (Oscar Isaac), a mobster trying to provide a secure future for his young son and girlfriend. The two share a strange bond as they try to attain the same things by very dangerous means.

Paddy Considine (Dead Man’s Shoes, Hot Fuzz, The Bourne Ultimatum) has become one of my favorite actors over the last few years. He’s fantastic in everything he does, and this is no exception. He plays Timofey with nuanced style and he’s hands down the best thing about this movie. Oscar Isaac as Shiv is great as well. The two actors work very well together and create the perfect balance of awkwardness and respect for one another. Radha Mitchell (Feast of Love, Finding Neverland, Mozart and the Whale) on the other hand, doesn’t offer much as Timofey’s wife Marina. She’s bland and surprisingly unemotional, especially given the circumstances with which she is faced. When a man goes to such great lengths to protect his family, I expect for I would expect that his wife deserving. She didn’t seem to care.

The story, based on the short story by Ken Kalfus, is very creative and explores new things not very often seen in film, but it is not without flaws. As good as Considine and Isaac are, they don’t seem to have the confidence to carry this movie. They muddle through without purpose at times. The scenes are drawn out and hard to connect, giving a very slow pacing to the film. Perhaps this can be traced back to first time writer/director Scott Z. Burns who was a producer on the award winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth. Maybe he just needs more experience and guidance by fellow producers George Clooney and Steven Soderbergh. Cinematographer Eigil Bryld has done a masterful job of creating a sad, grey-toned Moscow that perfectly fits with the tone of the film. The lack of color is depressing, and doesn’t help too much with the slow scenes, but the look suits the film. I wouldn’t want it any other way.

While it may have a great story and a fantastic star, this HBO film is entirely forgettable. The characters won’t resonate enough with the audience to create any emotional attachment. It’s just such a big disappointment that a mobster movie with an original premise and PADDY CONSIDINE is so slow and poorly executed.

The film is presented in 1.66:1 aspect ratio and is widescreen. The majority of the film is filled with various shades of gray, but the color that is used is brilliant. There is a scene in particular with bright blue flowers that is gorgeous. The transfer benefits the tone of the film.

The only extra on the disc is a commentary track by writer/director Scott Z. Burns and producer Peter Berg. Despite the wealth of information thrown out by the two gentlemen during this commentary, it is exceptionally boring. They muddle through like a middle schooler trying to crank out a book report last minute. His heart just doesn’t seem to be in it.

PU-239 is a depressing movie. Valiant as their efforts may be, Timofey and Shiv do not succeed in anything they’re trying to do. This is heartbreaking after we’ve rooted for Timofey throughout the entire film, and left me with a feeling of exhaustion and frustration. Exhaustion for having felt real emotion for Timofey and having to sit through such a slow movie to get to the ending, and frustration because the ending was so disappointing and discouraging. Sometimes the DVD extras can help make the viewer understand more of what the director was trying to accomplish, but in this case, the commentary track doesn’t make a case for the film.

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HBO films presents PU-239. Directed by Scott Z. Burns. Starring Paddy Considine, Radha Mitchell, Oscar Isaac. Written by Scott Z. Burns. Running time: 98 minutes. Rated Not Rated. Released on DVD: March 25, 2008. Available at Amazon.com.