DVD Reviews: The Man From Elysian Fields

It's a world of the night, an unspoken world where things happen with hushed tones and muted voices. This is the oft unspoken world of the male escort.

Boasting a stellar cast, The Man From Elysian Fields is the tale of what happens when a man throws it all away to achieve what he believes is his greatest goal, even when his greatest achievement is in his loving wife and child. Andy Garcia plays the part of Byron Tiller, a down and out author who has never really had a successful novel and is now facing financial ruin for his family as his savings dwindle.

In desperation he takes up the offer of Luther Fox (Mick Jagger) who is the owner of Elysian Fields, a high class, discreet male escort service. This is the first time I have seen Mick Jagger act and I must say that I really hope to see  a lot more of him, the man did a superb job playing the role of the elegant gentleman. He has a slightly odd speaking voice, and since I have not heard him speak before, I am not entirely convinced that part of the voice was acting. It's very clipped and compelling to listen to.

Byron is assured that not every client in Elysian fields requires sexual services from their escort, and with his marital integrity assured he starts escorting ladies each night to support his family, all the whilst under the guise of having meetings with publishers.

A chance offer arises for Byron to reinvent himself as a respected writer and it's the consequences of following through with that action that give us the integral part of the storyline which I cannot divulge without spoiling it for you. All I can say is that this is brilliant viewing and you will be locked to your screen for the whole performance.

The DVD does not contain any extras really other a trailer stills gallery and cast biographies. It's this sort of sparse extras that are a real shame considering the nature of the film and the great job turned in by all of the actors. I would have loved to hear some more of what was going on in the background during it all.

The quality of the DVD is good and there are no inconsistencies that stand out as being detrimental to the enjoyment of the film.

A highly recommended disc to anyone who loves good films.