The Comfort of Strangers (1990) Criterion 1080p BluRay x265 HEVC AAC-SARTRE

Adapting the acclaimed novel by Ian McEwan, playwright and screenwriter Harold Pinter lends his trademark unnerving dialogue and air of creeping menace to this spellbinding study of power, control, and the frighteningly thin line between pleasure and pain. Rupert Everett and Natasha Richardson are the prey, a beautiful British couple working on their relationship while on holiday in Venice; Christopher Walken and Helen Mirren are the hunters who draw them into the sinister web of their opulent, old-world palazzo. What plays out is an unsettling, sado­masochistic seduction imbued with an atmosphere of sumptuous dread by the elegantly gliding tracking shots of cinematographer Dante Spinotti, lush score by Angelo Badalamenti, and carefully controlled direction of Paul Schrader, who choreographs a mesmerizing pas de quatre of sustained erotic and emotional tension.

Extras

Paul Schrader - In this new video interview, Paul Schrader recalls how he was offered the opportunity to direct The Comfort of Strangers and how the film was put together, and discusses its key themes and stylistic characteristics. There are some particularly good comments about the casting choices that were made.The interview was conducted exclusively for Criterion in 2020. (18 min).

Christopher Walken - In this new video interview, Christopher Walken discusses his contribution to The Comfort of Strangers and Paul Schrader's working methods. The actor also explains how he picked up the accent for this character, which was apparently inspired by Rossano Brazzi's. The interview was conducted exclusively for Criterion in 2020. (6 min).

Natasha Richardson - Presented here is a new edit of an archival interview with Natasha Richardson which was conducted for the American Film Institute in 2001. In the interview, the actress recalls her contribution to The Comfort of Strangers as well as Paul Schrader's creative instincts and working methods. (7 min).

Dante Spinotti - In this new interview, cinematographer Dante Spinotti discusses the visual style of The Comfort of Strangers and how it is linked to the complex relationship the film explores. There are also some interesting comments about Paul Schrader's specific vision of Venice. The interview was conducted for Criterion in 2020. (14 min).

Bill Pankow - In this new interview, Bill Pankow discusses the editing of The Comfort of Strangers. The interview was conducted for Criterion in 2020. (15 min).

Ian McEwan - Presented here is an excerpt from an archival episode of The South Bank Show which Ian McEwan discusses his novel The Comfort of Strangers. The episode was broadcast on November 22, 1981. (27 min).

Trailers - Vintage trailers for The Comfort of Strangers. (4 min).

The Guardian Interview - In this vintage interview, Paul Schrader discusses some of his projects, trends in the film industry, critical responses to his work, certain themes in his work, the anti-religion nature of most films, etc. The interview was conducted by Derek Malcolm in London in 1993. Audio only. (85 min). [BFI]

Prospectus for a Course Not Given: The Paul Schrader Film Masterclass - In this recorded session, Paul Schrader offers an engaging follow-up to a masterclass that he presented earlier in the United States. A wide range of topics are addressed, from narrative construction and theme management to the importance of tone and style. The session was held at the National Film Theatre in 1982. Audio only. (100 min). [BFI]

Commentary - In this audio commentary, Paul Schrader discusses in great detail the production history of The Comfort of Strangers, his interactions with Harold Pinter, the evolving themes in the film, the conception of various contrasts that supposedly define the film, etc. The commentary was recorded exclusively for the British Film Institute. [BFI]