Review: Polarizing 'Zoot Suit' a Highly Stylized Theatrical-Cinematic Hybrid

The "zoot suit" style of clothing was popularized by jazz singers in the '30s and consisted of lots of fabrics. The suit was high-waisted, wide-legged, and tight-cuffed, with a long coat and padded shoulders. During the second world war the wearers were often victims of mob violence, since it was seen as a waste of then-rationed material.

In 1942, a young Latino named José Gallardo Díaz was stabbed after a group of friends confronted him about an earlier altercation. Díaz died, and the L.A. police arrested 17 Mexican-American boys, who were then held in prison without bail and, ultimately, convicted of second-degree murder – despite flimsy evidence – and sentenced to serve prison time. This was known as the Sleepy Lagoon murder trial, and led to the Zoot Suit Riots of 1943.

These two bits of information are somewhat important when watching Luis Valdez's polarizing 1981 film "Zoot Suit" for the first time. I also highly suggest watching the terrific new 15-minute interview with Valdez, specifically recorded for this release. He provides great background for what you're about to experience.

Normally, I am a believer in going into a film without any pre-knowledge, but this highly stylized theatrical-cinematic hybrid had me frustrated from the get-go. I'm all for audacity and ambition, but what I saw in this film was messy and hodgepodge. And because the characters are more operatic than realistic, it was difficult to care about any of them, let alone want to follow their journeys. The info above would have, at least, provide me with some road map.

Based on Valdez's highly popular stage show, the film centers on Henry Reyna (Daniel Valdez, Luis' brother) and the other young men who are wrongfully convicted and sent to San Quentin. Enter young Tyne Daly (emulating Rosalind Russell) and George Shearer, good-hearted attorney fighting this racially-motivated injustice. Narrating it all is Edward James Olmos as a "Cabaret" Emcee-wannabe of sorts, Pachuco.

The story itself easily lends itself to melodrama, suspense-drama, yes, musical, even comedy. The genre blend didn't bother me as much as the fact that the pastiche-y theatre meets sitcom-y film approach just didn't work – it was more alienating.

Valdez, best known for writing and directing "La Bamba," a dull and by-the-numbers biopic of Ritchie Valens, released in 1987, never feels in full command of his own film.

As the strange, alluring and dangerous Pachuco, Olmos shines brightest; he became a star shortly afterwards.

The film was nominated for the Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy Golden Globe.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray looks and sounds terrific, with David Myers' cinematography popping. The film is a feast for the eyes.

Besides the Valdez chat, the disc contains an audio commentary with historian Daniel Kremer, who is loaded with period knowledge.

Blu-ray Extras Include: