The Elementary Particles
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Follows two half-brothers, Michael and Bruno, through the second half of the 20th century. Michael, a reclusive molecular biologist, is on the threshold of cloning a new kind of human being, free of the conflicts that go hand in hand with sexual desires. Bruno, a high school teacher, is a frustrated sexaholic with a penchant for young girls. The mother they barely knew was a guru groupie, a self indulgent 'liberated' hippie mama who abandoned them to different grandmothers and boarding schools, each unaware of the other's existence until their teenage years. Buffeted by disappointments and alienation, the two men struggle to come to terms with the malaise of modern existence and love.

According to Oskar Roehler's The Elementary Particles, if you boil humanity down to its most basic form we're scum who's obsessed with getting naked with each other. It's pleasantly carnal. Based on the novel by Michel Houellebecq's novel (which I haven't read), The Elementary Particles is a depressing thinker of a film that also offers a little nostalgia to boot.

The Elementary Particles is a well acted film with a great American soundtrack, but it's depressing as heck. Everything goes to hell for each of the characters and right when things are looking a little sunnier over yonder, they go right back to heck again. The thing is, the characters are also very easy to dislike. So if you're sitting at home alone and feeling particularly nihilistic, this is certainly the movie for you. If you're looking for one last date night with your wife who's eight-months pregnant, avoid it like pickles with peanut butter.

Fans of international cinema will likely recognize at least a couple of faces in the deep German cast, particularly Moritz Bleibtreu and Franka Potente of Run, Lola, Run fame. The cast doesn't disappoint as they run you through the ringer with little chance of hope outside of the largely American soundtrack that firmly puts the film in the realm of nostalgia.

Video: How's it look?
The widescreen picture (1.85:1 aspect ratio) offers a lot of contrast, but overall it's a nice transfer with no evidence of scuffs or degrading.

Audio: How's it sound?
The film has a strong Dolby 5.1 Surround German and French audio track that is complimented by optional French and English subtitles.

Extras: What additional goodies are included?

• Interviews with the cast and crew offer tremendous insight into not just the film but some of main themes it touches on. Combined, the interviews run a little over 30 minutes. The interviews are accompanied by English subtitles.
• A 22-minute 'making-of' featurette combines cast and crew interviews with short film clips. English subtitles are included.
• Theatrical trailer.

Closing Thoughts
The Elementary Particles is a polarizing film that is sure to make some squeamish. However others may appreciate the varied characters and fine German ensemble the movie offers. The DVD may be sparse in extra features when compared to the bevy of bits and pieces paired with most American films, but it's still more fanfare than most other international films receive on DVD around these parts.

Review brought to you by our friend Ryan @ Movie-Views.com