Nathan Flomm (David) is one of the best public relations and marketing specialists in the country. His current employer, Haney Motors, is about to release an electric car that, it is said, will revolutionize the industry. Nathan has offered many suggestions in the design of the car. Some were used though he is unhappy that the “pee-flap” he suggested, an accessory that would allow drives to go to the bathroom without stopping the car, has not been installed. When he learns that the company’s owner, Will Haney, has decided to name the new car after his son Nathan snaps. He quits. Later that evening cooler heads prevail and he returns the next day to apologize. However, feeling his apology is not sincere, Haney lets him go. He leaves the company with the 10% stake he put into it back in his pocket. Good riddance Haney Motors. Who in their right mind would buy a car known as the Howard?
Co-written by David, and heavily improvised as was the tradition on his popular HBO show, “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” CLEAR HISTORY is a funny ensemble piece that suggests you can never run away from your past. Taking up a decade after his resignation, we now meet Nathan on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, where for many years he has gone by the name “Rolly.” He headed there for the isolation after the Howard became a best seller. Mr. Haney earned comparisons to Henry Ford and Nathan’s childish resignation became fodder for late night comedians, who mocked him by noting that his foolishness had cost him a billion dollars. Like Pete Best, who was replaced by Ringo Starr in the Beatles or the high school coach who cut Michael Jordan from the basketball team, Nathan became a running gag. Now he lives quietly, working as an assistant to an elderly woman and cultivating new friends. Everyone loves Nathan/Rolly, who has learned to adapt to his new surroundings. Everything goes well until it’s discovered that the new, outrageously huge house being built on the island is intended for Mr. and Mrs. Will Haney.
As the co-creator of the classic comedy “Seinfeld” (and the inspiration for Jason Alexander’s character, George Costanza), Larry David will surely be remembered as one of the great comic minds of our time. Here he has surrounded himself with an all-star cast of actors who, I’m sure, took small parts just to be involved in the project. And what a combination of talent. Michael Keaton, Bill Hader, Phillip Baker Hall, Danny McBride, Eva Mendes, Amy Ryan…even the musical group Chicago, whose music you may never listen to again without smiling, play a part in this film. Director Mottola has cast the film well and it’s obvious that he knew just yell “Action” and let them have it. The story flows smoothly with a constant stream of laughs.
The film is also a visual tribute to Martha’s Vineyard. I have spent many summer days and nights on the island (as JAWS was filmed there and I am a huge JAWS fan I knew I had to make the pilgrimage). The beauty of the island stands out in every outdoor scene. And if you’ve ever been there you know there is no way in hell a house like Will Haney’s would have ever been allowed! CLEAR HISTORY is a fine addition to the great “made for HBO” film family.
CLEAR HISTORY BLU-RAY REVIEW
Video: Presented in a 1:78.1 aspect ratio, the picture is clear and bright. And the many shots of Martha’s Vineyard, especially helicopter footage of the ocean, beaches and lighthouses, are simply stunning.
Audio: Presented in DTS HD 5.1 Master Audio the sound come through cleanly. There are more than a few scenes where several people talk at once and you don’t miss a word from anyone.
Sadly, there are no extras with this disc. Sad, because I would have loved to have seen some outtakes when the improve didn’t go just right
