Vendredi Soir (2002), directed by Claire Denis, is a film about two
residents of Paris who come together because of a horrendous,
citywide traffic jam. The movie is slow and deliberate, but not
boring. The film's power derives from the interaction of two
attractive strangers who are temporarily trapped--and yet
liberated--by the fact that mass transit is shut down, and auto
traffic has come to a standstill.
Valérie Lemercier portrays Laure, a young woman who has left her
apartment to move in with her lover. Ms. Lemercier owes a great
debt to Ms. Denis, who could have cast the part with a more
traditionally beautiful woman. (In the U.S., the role would probably
have gone to Demi Moore.) Instead, the director chose an actor
who is undeniably beautiful, but in an interesting, complex way.
Lemercier is an outstanding actor, and she is given enough time
on screen to demonstrate her professional skills.
Don't see this film if you're looking for excitement, graphic sex,
violence, or a strong narrative story line. See this film if you want to
view Paris--and human relationships--portrayed in a serious, but
almost dreamlike, lyrical, fashion.
residents of Paris who come together because of a horrendous,
citywide traffic jam. The movie is slow and deliberate, but not
boring. The film's power derives from the interaction of two
attractive strangers who are temporarily trapped--and yet
liberated--by the fact that mass transit is shut down, and auto
traffic has come to a standstill.
Valérie Lemercier portrays Laure, a young woman who has left her
apartment to move in with her lover. Ms. Lemercier owes a great
debt to Ms. Denis, who could have cast the part with a more
traditionally beautiful woman. (In the U.S., the role would probably
have gone to Demi Moore.) Instead, the director chose an actor
who is undeniably beautiful, but in an interesting, complex way.
Lemercier is an outstanding actor, and she is given enough time
on screen to demonstrate her professional skills.
Don't see this film if you're looking for excitement, graphic sex,
violence, or a strong narrative story line. See this film if you want to
view Paris--and human relationships--portrayed in a serious, but
almost dreamlike, lyrical, fashion.