Film Review
In 1996, Belgian director Jaco van Dormael followed his success with
Toto
le héros with this emotional roller coaster of a film.
Le Huitième
jour confronts the prejudices which modern society has in abundance for disabled people
in a light-hearted yet respectful manner. It is a magical film, full of genuine
sentiment and meaning, perhaps a little contrived in places, but nonetheless an entertaining
and poignant piece of cinema.
The film stars Daniel Auteuil and Pascal Duquenne, a perfect pairing which could not have
been surpassed, and it should come as little surprise that the two actors were jointly
awarded the Best Actor award at Cannes in 1996.
Auteuil is a very popular French actor made famous by his stunning performances in such
films as
Jean de Florette,
La Séparation and
Un coeur en hiver
. His performance as the stressed out executive in
Le Huitième jour
is amongst his finest, intensely moving yet, at the same time, showing a comic brilliance
rarely seen in serious actors. His co-star, the experimental Belgian actor Pascal Duquenne,
is no less impressive. Himself a Down syndrome sufferer, Duquenne is captivating,
to the point that the spectator ultimately sees the world through his eyes, sharing his
conflicting senses of rapture and frustration at what the world offers.
With some impressive photography, an incredible musical score and some truly remarkable
visual stunts (including a singing mouse and an ant disappearing up a vacuum cleaner),
the spectator never has time to get bored with what is on offer. The film's ending
(with its over-the-top Dennis Potter finale) is a little disappointing, showing a surprising
lack of imagination on the part of van Dormael. Apart from that, this is a
film which has much to commend it and, whilst perhaps lacking depth and maturity, it does
leave a lasting impression.
© James Travers 2000
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.
Next Jaco Van Dormael film:
Mr. Nobody (2010)
Film Synopsis
Harry is a high-powered communications officer for a leading multinational
bank. He is comfortably off, well-respected and an incurable workaholic.
But then his wife leaves him, taking with her their two young daughters,
and he is left contemplating the emptiness of his existence. First
he loses interest in his work, then he grows tired of living. Harry
is on the point of killing himself when Georges suddenly enters his life.
Georges is a young man who suffers from Downs syndrome. He has just
walked out of the care home where he has been living for the past four years
after his mother died. It is a pure coincidence that Georges and Harry
should run into each other at this crucial moment in both their lives.
Harry is understandably at a loss as to what to do with Georges when they
first meet. Acting on instinct, he offers the stranger a place to stay
at his home for a few days, during which time he hopes to come up with a
more sensible long term solution. At first, Harry finds it hard to
tolerate the mentally handicapped waif he has taken under his wing, but gradually
his feelings begin to soften. The abundance of affection that Georges
offers Harry is gladly received by the man who has been feeling a chronic
lack of affection of late. Within no time, an intense bond of friendship
has developed between the two men, each fulfilling the other's emotional
needs. Perhaps meeting Georges is the best thing that ever happened
to Harry...
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.