Saturday, November 8, 2008

I've Loved You So Long, or How there are no words really...

Il y a Longtemps que je t'aime (I've Loved You So Long)
Written and Directed by: Philippe Claudel
Starring: Kristin Scott-Thomas, Elsa Zylberstein, Serge Hazanavicius & Laurent Grévill

What a harrowing and soul-crunching film! It could only have been made in Europe where character and quiet, emotional build ups are still privileged over 'big moments' and verbosity. Claudel directs this story of a woman recently released from prison who enters into her sister's life after a 15 year absence with a sense of subdued direction that works to underplay the potential drama and in so doing magnifying its effect. The mundane details, the ease both in pace and dialogue and the very naturalistic performances by an amazing cast make I've Loved You So Long even more of a wonder. But above it all you should definitely check out this film to see Kristin Scott-Thomas performance. The way her eyes dart all around the room, taking in the reality she had so long ago forsaken; the way her body can't seem to take her new-found freedom; the way she recoils from affection and ultimately the way she explodes with such sadness in her eyes you won't recover even after the credits have rolled. A+

No comments: