Film Illuminated on DVD

"Everything Is Illuminated" is a wonder of a film, and it achieves something so rare that it is hard to believe it comes from a first-time director/screenwriter. Its achievement lies in its uncanny ability to evolve from a quirky, hilarious road picture into a solemn and poetic meditation. The central theme is remembrance, involving one of the most horrific events of the 20th century: the extermination of the European Jewish community in World War II. \nAcclaimed actor Liev Schreiber ("The Hurricane") adapted the autobiographical novel by Jonathan Safran Foer for the screen and finally got it produced by Warner Independent Pictures after a couple years of shopping for a financier. Perhaps the film works so well because of Schreiber's intimacy with its content, since he grew up in the Jewish community and has played many Jewish roles in his career. \nThe film begins with an introductory voiceover by one of the central characters, a Ukrainian translator named Alex Perchov. Alex's role is one that could have been performed badly, given that he is written as a caricature early on. He is goofy, talking mostly about sex, American pop culture and his crazy obsession with American hip-hop. It is to actor Eugene Hutz's credit and Schreiber's deft writing that Alex is a likable protagonist, one we trust from the start. \n Jewish-American Jonathan Foer (Wood) hires Alex as his guide through the countryside of Ukraine. Jonathan is in search of a mysterious woman in an old photograph whom Jonathan is told saved his late grandfather's life before the Nazi invasion of his small village, Trachimbrod. When Jonathan arrives in Ukraine, he is met by Alex and Alex's crotchety old grandfather, who appears to have strong anti-Semitic beliefs. \nThough the story revolves around Jonathan's quest to discover his roots, it takes on a far more complex dimension with the addition of Alex's grandfather, who may know more about Jonathan's past than any of them first realize. As the three strangely-assembled characters travel the Ukrainian countryside, encountering other eccentric characters, having car trouble and getting lost in vast green farm fields, they connect in different ways. The grandfather softens from his frequent memories of the country before the war and finds something in Jonathan that is not clear until everything is indeed illuminated when the three reach their destination in the home of a little old lady who is the only survivor of Trachimbrod. \nThe DVD of the film is somewhat lackluster, with only two special features. Several deleted and extended scenes are included, as well as the original theatrical trailer. Sadly, there are no director commentaries or behind-the-scenes features, which could have really helped viewers understand more about Schreiber's attachment to the story and explain why he chose this film as his directorial debut. However disappointing the DVD may be, it is still worthwhile to rent or buy this small but important film.