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Superb In Every Respect
I went to see Phillipe Claudel's I've Loved You So Long last night at the Elgin with an even-handed attitude. I was expecting a good film (but not necessarily great because it's French-made, and you never know with those guys) with a presumably moving, Oscar-calibre Kristin Scott Thomas performance, which I'd been told about from just about everyone.
It turns out that Scott is that and more -- she'll definitely land a Best Actress nomination, and she just might win, considering that she achieves so much in ILYSL with very little "acting" plus the fact that she's been around for a couple of decades -- but the film itself is a landmark-level achievement. It's remarkably tight, absorbing and affectng every step of the way -- a genuinely profound growth journey taken with quiet and gentle steps.
Whatever happens on the Oscar nomination front, this film has immediately shot to the top of my list of the year's best films.
You wouldn't think that a quiet little domestic drama about a female ex-con finding her way back into the swing of things, or one about two sisters who haven't been in contact for 15 years (and who were even close to begin with) slowly coming to know and care for each other would be all that gripping, but is this ever! And the reason it holds you ever step of the way is because you're hungry for any and all details that may explain why Thomas committed the crime that put her away.
When the answer finally comes at the end of the third act, it makes for a very sad and yet satisfying resolution. The ending actually borders on being comfortable. I didn't think anything smacking of completeness or contentment could come from this film, given the particulars, and yet Claudel has come up with an ending that really and truly works.
I have to get down to the festival but I'll try and add stuff to this review when I'm back at it tomorrow morning. I'm on a plane and back to Los Angeles tomorrow afternoon, thank God.
Posted by Jeffrey Wells on September 11, 2008 at 1:22 PM
comment #1
Richardson
says ...
"she'll definitely land a Best Actress nomination, and she just might win"
It seems likely to me that she or Melissa Leo will be the critic's favorite, the "should win" pick, and that Angelina Jolie will walk away with the prize (presuming the Eastwood movie lives up to the pre-buzz).
Posted by Richardson
at September 11, 2008 2:10 PM
comment #2
gruver1
says ...
Wells to Richardson: Due respect but as good as Jolie is, she's not in KST's league.
Posted by gruver1
at September 11, 2008 2:30 PM
comment #3
Richardson
says ...
Not disputing that -- sight unseen, I would assume as much. (I forget, have you seen 'Changeling', or you just mean in general?)
But you aren't prepared to seriously argue that the Oscars are decided strictly on merit, are you? Especially after last year's Best Actress Oscar went to everybody's "Should win but won't" pick, it seems likely that this year, it's a movie star's turn.
Obviously, it's way to early to make serious predictions, though, I'm just talking general trends here.
Posted by Richardson
at September 11, 2008 2:48 PM
comment #4
p.Vice
says ...
Yeah, you never know with those French assholes, but us Americans are bankable every fuckin' time out.
Go and vote for Palin while you're at it.
Posted by p.Vice
at September 11, 2008 2:52 PM
comment #5
lazarus
says ...
Two French-language performances in a row taking Best Actress? I doubt it, even if Scott-Thomas originally hails from Britain.
Jolie was strangely missing in the lineup last year when she should have been there; that might come into play.
And she's like, a do-gooder and stuff.
Posted by lazarus
at September 11, 2008 4:09 PM
comment #6
plastiqueelephant
says ...
I agree, surely Jolie's a lock for her performance in Wanted.
Posted by plastiqueelephant
at September 11, 2008 4:30 PM
comment #7
Chase Kahn
says ...
Kristin Scott Thomas would be advised to just keep doing French films, apparently...
Posted by Chase Kahn
at September 11, 2008 5:35 PM
comment #8
SpinDozer
says ...
KST has always had a distinct advantage with me, kinda like chanel no 5.
I'm ez.
Posted by SpinDozer
at September 11, 2008 8:20 PM
comment #9
nola
says ...
Can't wait to see this movie.
Posted by nola
at September 11, 2008 10:26 PM
comment #10
guylodge
says ...
Why the assumption from so many that Jolie is the default winner? She already has one, after all -- I doubt the Academy really feels they owe her.
Kate Winslet and Meryl Streep sound like greater threats to me. But I'm totally on board for a Kristin Scott Thomas campaign -- watching her on stage in "The Seagull" last year reminded me that she's one of the greatest in the game.
Posted by guylodge
at September 12, 2008 2:44 AM
comment #11
adorian
says ...
Perhaps this will finally inspire you to update your Oscar Balloon.
Posted by adorian
at September 12, 2008 5:25 AM
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