Un week-end sur deux (1990) - film review

Camille Valmont has sacrificed her family for her acting career.  After her divorce she is only allowed to see her two young children every other weekend.  Desperate for work, Camille agrees to host a Rotary Club dinner, even though this falls on a weekend.  When he hears of this, her husband telephones her and tells her that he is coming over to collect the children.  Camille panics and makes an instant decision to go on the run with her children…

Actress Nicole Garcia made her noteworthy directorial debut with this introspective drama about a young woman’s futile attempt to form a bond with her estranged children.  An extraordinarily realistic performance from Nathalie Baye, coupled with Garcia’s intimate and moody cinematic style, makes this a haunting and provocative work.  With skilful subtlety and the minimum of melodrama, the implications of a small personal tragedy – an egotistical woman’s failure to win her children’s love – are brought home with great effect.  Although less stylish and polished than Garcia’s subsequent work, this film’s simple honesty and feminine insight gives it greater impact.

© James Travers 2004

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