Blu-ray Review – The Song of Names

22 years ago, director Francois Girard made "The Red Violin," which examined the extended history of a special musical instrument, following the creation as it touched many lives. The picture did surprising business during its art-house run, inspiring the helmer to return to a music world mystery with "The Song of Names," another tale of the unknown featuring heavy violin references. Considerably tamer than "The Red Violin," "The Son of Names" offers a more reflective mood, with the lead characters facing the passage of time as they deal with unresolved trauma. Girard strives for screen poetry here, attempting to find dramatic support while giving the feature over to extended scenes of musicianship. It's a handsome production, and the music, by Howard Shore, aims to please. It's the overall tautness of the endeavor that's in doubt, with Girard losing interest in pace as he tries to put together something sincere. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com