Big Stone Gap – Blu-Ray Movie Review

It’s 1978 and the ever-ordinary Ave Maria Mulligan (Judd) leads a simple life. She lives with her mother, runs the pharmacy, directs The Trail of the Lonesome Pine Outdoor Drama, and hopes that her best friend (Wilson) will take their platonic friendship in a romantic direction. Ave Maria waits, and before she knows it, she turns 40. Now the old maid of Big Stone Gap, Ave Maria decides that happiness is for other people – that is, until a long-buried family secret throws her quiet life spectacularly off course. With an all-star cast, Big Stone Gap is a love letter to small-town life, working people and the triumph of love.

I figured this was a safe movie to watch with my wife, and I was right. It was a very pleasant romance story, but I would not call it a romance comedy. Sure, there are several funny moments and funny characters, but that was not the over arching feel of the film. The characters were more “real” and believable than the typical Hollywood faire. It unwinds at a leisurely pace and leaves you with the message that love can be found anywhere and at anytime, but in this case, right here at home. The setting is in Virginia and the scenery, when shown, is gorgeous. Other than an explosion at the local coal mine, there is not a lot of drama. The film really emphasizes the relationships between the characters and spotlights the emotional bond we all have with our home towns. The only character I thought was a bit out of place was the acerbic Fleeta (Goldberg), who apparently was the only black person in town and helped run the local pharmacy. She rarely does films anymore, so she must have really like the screenplay or the book. Anyway, growing up in a small country town in Illinois, I found a lot to relate with here and felt uplifted when the credits began to roll. You might, too.

The picture looks good with lush colors outdoors and soft lighting indoors. Sound was well centered and easy to hear. The surrounds only carry some ambient noises in the outdoor scenes, but the sub shut down 10 minutes into the movie. Being a dialog driven film, these are not necessarily bad issues. Details were good. You can see the coal smeared faces with creases, the fabric of the bib overalls and stubble on the miner’s chins. Contrast was fine, with some good depth.

Including a DVD, extras included are: Virginia Film Festival Q&A with Cast, Cast & Crew Interviews, Hollywood Celebrates Big Stone Gap, On Virginia and the Virginia Film Festival Panel.