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Un coeur simple
2008 Drama
Review
Un coeur simple is an inspired
adaptation of one of Gustave Flaubert lesser known works, a short story
which, like his better known Madame
Bovary, is concerned with a woman’s yearning for an unattainable
passion. It is the first full length film to be directed by
Marion Laine and in places it does show the telltale signs of a first film – in
its uneven narrative, the poorly
developed secondary characters and one or two artistic over-indulgences
(such as the unnecessary use of slow motion photography). Over all, however, the film has much to commend it. Intense, introspective performances from Sandrine Bonnaire and Marina Foïs convey the torment and quiet despair of two women who fail to find fulfilment in their lives and whose only solace is their uneasy companionship. Meanwhile, the sets and naturalistic photography perfectly evoke Flaubert’s sombre world of rural hardship and bourgeois artificiality. Whilst the film may lack the force and humanity of Flaubert’s writing, it is still a strangely compelling and moving work, pleasing with its understated poetry and moments of exquisite poignancy. © filmsdefrance.com 2009 Write a review for this film... User Comments
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Director:
Marion Laine
Starring: Sandrine Bonnaire, Marina Foïs, Pascal Elbé, Patrick Pineau, Thibault Vinçon Synopsis
Félicité is a young woman who is born to love
others. She loves generously, without any thought of
self-interest, but little of what she gives so freely is returned to
her. A brief romance with an egoistical man named Théodore
comes to nothing. Madame Obain, the woman who engages her to look
after her house and her two children, rebukes her for her shows of
sentiment. The only one who is suited to receive her love is
Victor, her young nephew – but even he is taken from her...
Credits
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© filmsdefrance.com 2009