Summary
In provincial France, a 13 year old boy, Thomas, runs into an escaped convict who orders
him to return with some money. Thomas lives with his father and grand-parents on
a country estate. From time to time, his estranged mother, Lili, comes to visit.
After an awkward meeting with his mother, Thomas returns to the convict with some money.
This time, the convict, Luc, is not alone – and his accomplice wants to kill the boy.
Luc saves Thomas by killing his accomplice. Later, Luc meets Thomas’ mother and
the two fall in love...
Review
It is debatable as to which is the least credible in this film – the plot or the singularly
odd characters which populate it. Neither stands up well to even a superficial analysis
and you are left with the feeling that a school child could have dreamt up a more believable
scenario. The plot twists and turns in the most unexpected and uncomfortable directions
and ultimately grinds to a halt ten minutes before the film ends.
Fortunately, there are
some saving graces and it would be unfair to write the film off as far-fetched nonsense.
The film is made with a certain amount of conviction and sobriety, and it boasts some
very strong acting performances. Téchiné’s tight, emotionally supressed,
direction works very well for this kind of thriller.
Probably the best thing
of all is a surprisingly good performance from Catherine Deneuve. You may not believe
the character she is playing, but the actress obviously does.
Watch out also for veteran
actress Danielle Darrieux (a very popular actress in the 1940s and 1950s) playing an elderly
grandmother – one of the few believable characters in the film.
© James Travers 2000
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