Missing

Although it may seem a bit dated in specifics, 1982's Missing is still one of the most gripping and emotionally devastating dramas ever made about the deadly threat of despotism and deceptive, ineffectual foreign policy. The fact-based story of Ed Horman, whose son went missing in Chile after the military coup that overthrew the Allende regime, Missing, set in an unnamed Latin American country (director Costa-Gavras wanted to transcend political borders and universalize the story), stars Jack Lemmon (in a powerful performance) as Horman, a naïve, conservative patriot, initially unable to accept that the U.S. government might have played a role in his son's disappearance and subsequent efforts to bureaucratically sweep it under the proverbial rug. Co-starring Sissy Spacek as his daughter-in-law, and backed by a memorable Vangelis soundtrack, Missing is a film about shattered ideals and harsh reality, and while Costa-Gavras is obviously being manipulative at times, the film's best scenes remain heartbreakingly effective. Presented on a bargain-priced DVD with a fine-looking transfer (but no extras), this is recommended. (J. Shannon)[DVD Review—Oct. 28, 2008—Criterion, 2 discs, 122 min., in English & Spanish w/English subtitles, not rated, $39.95—Making its second appearance on DVD, 1982's Missing boasts a great transfer and Dolby Digital mono sound. DVD extras include two video interviews with director Costa-Gavras (33 min. total), an interview with film subject Charles Horman's widow Joyce Horman (30 min.), “In Honor of Missing” highlights from the 2002 Charles Horman Truth Project event (21 min.), a 20-minute TV interview from the 1982 Cannes Film Festival (featuring Costa-Gavras, costar Jack Lemmon, and Horman's family members), a “Pursuing Truth” interview with The Pinochet File author Peter Kornbluh (20 min.), an 18-minute production featurette, and a 38-page booklet with a new essay by critic Michael Wood, and various documents. Bottom line: An excellent extras package for a contemporary classic.]