Elegy

Genre: psychological study

With: Penelope Cruz (Consuela Castillo), Ben Kingsley (David Kepesh), Patricia Clarkson (Carolyn), Peter Sarsgaard (Kenny Kepesh), Dennis Hopper (George O’Hearn), Deborah Harry (Amy O’Hearn)

Director: Isabel Coixet

Screenplay: Nicholas Meyer (adapted from the novella ‟The Dying Animal” by Phillip Roth)

Release: 2008

Studio: Lakeshore Entertainment – MGM Distribution Company, Samuel Goldwyn Films

Rating: R

MBiS score: 8.2/10 

 

‟ I think it was Bette Davis who said old age is not for sissies.” 

 

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Story-line: David Kepesh, a renowned author and a teacher of powerful intellect, has reached the age when growing old becomes a daily concern. In this regard, his affair with Consuela Castillo, a young student, has been both revealing and important.    

Pluses: stimulating performances by Ben Kingsley (a fascinating, somewhat cynical David) and Penelope Cruz (as the brave and beautiful Consuela), key contributions from Dennis Hopper, Peter Sarsgaard and an excellent cast, a serious screenplay relying on astute dialogues to delve into themes of sexuality, disillusion and commitment, very attractive cinematography (behold those flattering exteriors of New York City!), an evocative musical score and a subdued yet thought-provoking ending.

Minuses: none really.

Comments: in ELEGY, an involving film that reminded me of Rohmer’s careful dramas, Isabel Coixet trains her eye on a man riddled with doubt because he hasn’t found fulfillment in love. In her illustration of man’s decay, time’s imprint on human emotions and the uneasy bond between generations, she has created a sensible, tormented and much better movie experience than I expected from the outset. Elegy indeed for David Kepesh… but not for him exclusively.   

 

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Vie d’Adèle (la) – Chapitres 1 et 2

English title: Blue is the Warmest Color

Genre: relationship drama  

With: Adèle Exarchopoulos (Adèle), Léa Seydoux (Emma), Salim Kechiouche (Samir), Aurélien Recoing (Adèle’s father), Catherine Salée (Adèle’s mother), Jérémie Laheurte (Thomas), Anne Loiret (Emma’s mother), Benoît Pilot (Emma’s stepfather), Sandor Funtek (Valentin), Mona Walravens (Lise)

Director: Abdellatif Kechiche

Screenplay: Abdellatif Kechiche and Ghalia Lacroix (based on Julie Maroh’s comic book)

Release: 2013

Studio: Quat'sous Films, Wild Bunch, France 2 Cinéma et al.

Rating: R

MBiS score: 8.5/10 

 

A Young Woman’s Quest for Sexual Identity: Tentative, Painful, Ecstatic, Exhausting

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Story-line: Lille, France. When Adèle hears her teacher discussing love at first sight during a literature class, she doesn’t seem very impressed. When her teenage friends tell her that Thomas has a crush on her, she remains indecisive. But when she catches a glimpse of a blue-haired woman on the street, something unexpected happens. She feels a fire inside, one that will not be easily extinguished.     

Pluses: outstanding performances by a vulnerable Adèle Exarchopoulos and a magnetic Léa Seydoux, Abdellatif Kechiche’s restrained direction and moderate pacing, well-measured production values, an open and intelligent screenplay enlivened by brisk dialogues, telling scenes of suffering and passion.

Minuses: all in all, LA VIE D’ADÈLE is rather long (3 hours) but not unnecessarily so as it evolves very naturally. Although explicit, the sex scenes are not gratuitous in light of the movie’s characters and subject matter. Some details are left unsaid but you won’t have any trouble ‟connecting the dots”.

Comments: the term ‟true-to-life” aptly describes this flawless production depicting a young woman’s identity crisis. Adèle will encounter ups and downs, moments of happiness and episodes of pain… but this is part and parcel of anyone’s quest for purpose, recounted here in a sincere and compelling way. LA VIE D’ADÈLE has been swamped with awards and nominations all over the world, especially at Cannes (best actresses and direction) and at the Césars. Deservedly so. 

 

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