“Code 46” stars Tim Robbins as Detective William Geld, a family man who finds himself dealing with an age-old problem. In the middle of an investigation he falls in love with a woman (Samantha Morton) suspected of a crime. Of course, not only is this wrong in the simplistic sense of right and wrong, but since this story takes place in the future, it is also… a crime. Bubbling beneath the surface of “Code 46” is a premise that has been told a thousand times in as many different ways. While the story isn’t so much original, it almost doesn’t have to be. Set in a world similar to “Minority Report”, the devil is in the details. Director Michael Winterbottom has created a believable world set in the not too distant future. It is a world where many of the ideas we see in their infancy today have either evolved or been bastardized into policies that elevate the rich and powerful.

Homeland security has pervaded every inch of how we live our lives and is as much corporately controlled openly as it is secretly today. Even a simple thing like visiting an out of town family member is carefully scrutinized.

What elevates “Code 46” from other movies of the type lies both in the aforementioned details and the performances by its stars. So many little details are touched on, that one can almost see our culture moving in this direction. Add to that the fact that the effects work and cinematography in the film are superb, and the illusion is made all the more real. Both Robbins and Morton (who oddly enough also starred in “Minority Report”) are very talented actors who are able to deliver some less than stellar dialogue, and still give it meaning.

The DVD release from MGM boasts a terrific transfer, which showcases the film’s cinematography. The image is extremely sharp, startlingly so at times. There are surprisingly enough, few extras on the disc however. Aside from a brief ‘Behind the scenes…” piece and four deleted scenes, you’ll find little else. I’m not a huge fan of commentaries, but the technical aspects of this particular film made me wish for one.

While I might not recommend “Code 46” to just anyone due to its deliberately slow pace, I will say that those who can appreciate the style of the movie will nonetheless find much to enjoy.

Directed by: Michael Winterbottom
Starring: Tim Robbins, Samantha Morton
Extras: Deleted Scenes, “Obtaining Cover: Inside Code 46” Featurette, Theatrical Trailer
Specifications: Widescreen (2.35:1) Enhanced for 16x9 Televisions, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: MGM
Release Date: 12/28/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R (A Scene of Sexuality, Including Brief Graphic Nudity)
Website

We'll give Code 46 a B-.