Roman de Gare
Every trick he's ever learned making films are included in Oscar-winning director, Claude Lelouche's intriguing Roman de Gare. Starring Dominique Pinon and Fanny Ardant, Mr. Lelouch weaves a tale of mystery and uncertainty, which is clearly resolved in the 103 minutes of the encumbering plot of this film. It spins, twists, turns and what you see is not entirely what you get as the plot increasingly shifts its point of view from one character to another. At the bottom lies fame, fortune and the possibility of a new genius author about to be presented on the literary scene.
But the machinations, sidebars and plot lines require close, careful attention as we meet each new character for, here, things are not always as they seem and the characters do not always say what they're feeling.
The situations and news reports of the disappearance of one of France's most notorious rapist-murderers in the initial moments of the film get us immediately into the action. Our suspicions seem confirmed a few moments later, but the clever Lelouch knows how to create interest and sustains it in six different directions as the plot unfolds. You may throw up your hands in despair at some point, but it is this reviewer's suggestion to stay with the intricate plot for the conclusion will bring you full circle.
As is always the case with any Lelouch movie, the musical background is totally charming and melodious. The acting
is terrific! It almost approaches Lelouch's A Man and a Woman.
Roman de Gare opens in theaters on April 25th.
Recent Comments