‘Amour’ is the French word for love. This is probably one of the most powerful and unflinching portraits of love that I’ve seen on film. This movie has garnered a lot of Oscar buzz with both a Best Picture and Best Actress nomination. Just a warning for those who are wary of foreign films; it is sub-titled. I know that ruins films for some people, but I highly encourage you to leave your comfort zone and take a chance on this film. This is a deeply intimate and almost voyeuristic look into an aspect of love that is rarely examined in film or literature. This is the story of a couple in their 80’s and the husband trying to cope with the fact that his wife is slowly dying and their is nothing he can do about it other than be there for her.
The entire film takes place in their Parisian apartment and has the same slow pace of visiting elderly relatives. Most people know the discomfort of visiting people who are nearing the end of their lives and while we visit out of duty and love, there is a sense of relief when we leave. Their quiet suffering is something we feel deeply and we can only endure it for so long. This film examines what happens after everyone leaves and the elderly couple is forced to deal with what remains of their life in a day by day downward spiral. If this sounds heavy and sorrowful, it is. At the same time, there is a power, if not beauty, to see the love between two people that still exists after a lifetime of being together.
The two leads are French screen legends Emmanuelle Riva (best known for 1959’s ‘Hiroshima, Mon Amour’) and Jean-Louis Trintignant (best known for 1966’s ‘A Man and a Woman’). Each has radically changed from so long ago of course, but I dare say this is some of the best acting of their careers. They play Georges and Anne, two highly accomplished music teachers, who are quietly living their lives of retirement. One day at breakfast Anne has a moment where she blanks out for several minutes. Georges is confused and frightened. When she recovers, she has no memory of what transpired. After a visit to the hospital, they find out that Anne has had a stroke. She begins to lose her mobility and Georges is thrust into the role of caretaker. After Anne has a second stroke, she begins to deteriorate rapidly. This is where we see the true depth of George’s love as he desperately tries to cope seeing his life companion disappear in front of him.
Anne has made Georges promise not to put her in a hospital (or hospice at this point). The doctors agree as there is really nothing they can do other than make her comfortable as she slowly deteriorates. This is where the film becomes riveting and voyeuristic as we watch these two people’s most private moments as they realize Anne’s life will soon be over. They both know the end will not be pleasant and dignified as Anne must be continually cared for to the point where a nurse must help her with her most basic bodily functions. Their daughter (played by another French great, Isabelle Huppert) stops by occasionally and, in her pain, insists there must be something more they can do. She refuses to accept that her mother’s life is coming to an end. Georges is not emotionally strong enough to withstand his daughter’s denial. He feels helpless already, but that feeling is augmented by his daughter’s persistence. Georges eventually closes his daughter out of their lives and returns to the daily routine of caring for his wife.
If I may be contradictory, there is an amazing dignity that Anne has as she loses her dignity. All ego is stripped away as she becomes completely dependent on Georges for her care, even though she has no desire to continue living. Georges displays both dignity and failing in his helplessness, but of his love for Anne there is never a doubt. The camera focuses on moments we have no right to see and does not flinch no matter what we are witnessing. Some moments we’d rather not see, but we are riveted nonetheless. This is love at its’ core. Past passion and beyond self-concern; just two people who cannot comprehend what life will be like without the other. They say that when an elderly spouse dies, the other rarely lives much longer. Seeing Anne and George’s connection, you have no doubt that Georges will not last much past when Anne is gone. She is his reason for living, despite the pain and hardship she is causing him.
I went to this movie reluctantly because the storyline seemed so depressing. And it is, but there is something so emotionally powerful and moving about this love story that one doesn’t leave the theater feeling smothered. Emotionally drained to be sure, but it would take a very hard hearted cynic not to be moved by how this film portrays love and connection. It’s not going to win the Oscar (although I completely think it would be merited), but I really believe Emanuelle Riva has a legitimate shot at the Best Actress Oscar. If the Oscars were based strictly on acting and performance and not politics, then there is no performance that would come even close. One of the best performances in my recent memory. It’s nice to see these two cinematic legends showing they still have what it takes.
I give this film **** stars.
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