A Very Long Engagement --- a lingering Frech rendezvous

Title:
A Very Long Engagement (B+)
PH Release Date:
February 2, 2005
Actors:
Audrey Tautou, Gaspard Ulliel, Dominique Pinon, Jodie Foster, Chantal Neuwirth
Director:
Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Story:
Based on the novel by Sebastien Japrisot
Screenplay:
Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Guillaume Laurant
Cinematography:
Bruno Delbonnel
Producer:
Bill Gerber and David Puttnam
Studio:
Warner Bros.



“From the heartache began a journey of hope…”

From comedy to drama…. The Tatutou-Jeunet team-up tries their luck with their adaptation of Japrisot’s acclaimed period novel. A mix of drama, humor and breathtaking cinematography, this movie promises another artsy partsy experience that only French cinema offers best… the hype is astonishing but I’m afraid the movie didn’t quite live up to it….

1920, the First World War is over, but Mathilde’s long search ain’t coming near to its end. Her fiancée Manoche has been missing for quite sometime, believed to be dead together with 5 more prisoners to be executed. But Mathilde’s not giving up, she searches for every clue from everyone related to the prisoners to prove that her intuition ain’t fooling with her. Her search takes her to many highs and lows, sometimes draws her close to him, and at times farther away. As she continues on, the grotesque image of war is shown and her enduring love promoted. Will her search lead her to the truth that will fulfill her dreams? Or will be a reality that will burn them down?




Amelie is one of my favorite movies of all time. It’s the best comedy I’ve seen and remains on my Top 10 list (wherever that is). This fact made this movie a certified must-see for me. The hype is overwhelming, Oscar buzz were everywhere and expectations are immense. Did it succeed in living up with the expectations? Not quite… but it did succeed on quite a few things…

First, in making a reputable adaptation of the novel (not that I have read it) but based on my critics instinct (this is so lame) they followed the storyline well enough.
Second, in matching the same visual excellence of Amelie, of keeping that caliber of art direction and cinematography rarely seen in movies today. With CGI almost ruling the world of moviemaking, this movie’s a proof that we could achieve cinematic excellence without much CGI. Third in being a French film from top to bottom. Fourth, in showing that Audrey can pull off such a role and finally, the most important of all. They’ve proven that Jodie Foster can really speak fluent French.



However, the movie failed in some of the most important aspects. First, in writing. A lot of times I thought that it was too knotty. Exaggeration was mammoth. If the writing was much more simpler, it would have fit perfectly with the whole aura of the movie. Second, in proving Jeunet’s versatility in direction. This movie showed that he's not as equipped when it comes to drama. I dunno if it’s just the material, but I doubt it. The humor was so premature, barely got through to me. Most of the times I found it odd rather than amusing. Third, in touching the audience. Amelie was a comedy but the impact was very strong. This one, as I’ve mentioned barely got through me. It is certainly not me, I was more than glad to welcome any movie especially this one since its “predecessor” is very close to my heart. The only time it thrived on its attempt to affect was that jail scene with Tina, when she read that note from the locket that said “Vengeance is nonsense. Don’t waste your life on me”, or something to that effect. A lot more of that delivery could have made this movie eminent.

If we are rather I am to judge this movie from its technical aspect. This film is definitely an A+. The photography was brilliant. That Sepia like appearance and breathtaking sceneries were too great to miss. The hue was just flabbergasting. The cinematography’s the best one I’ve seen this year, and I would have slit my throat if it wasn’t nominated for an Oscar. The score was beautiful. I thought it gave the perfect mood. It’s frustrating to know that it wasn’t nominated but whatever! But if we’re talking about the direction, well, I say it’s good, but just not good enough.



Audrey’s as exotic as ever. At times I think she wasn’t able to match the age she’s suppose to play, at times I do. Up to now I haven’t decide which is which. The acting could have been better but I think its good enough. Josh Hartnett I mean Gaspard Ulliel, really need not to act that much cuz the role is not that challenging. I kinda found his acting odd. Jodie Foster did a fine job. She speaks French alright! And she’s hot too. I love her. Eat your heart out Meg Ryan, or you can call Hannibal Lecter to do it for you. But I think the best acting came from the one and only moving scene in this movie, I dunno what her name is but she plays Tina Lambardi if I’m not mistaken.

A film of visual and audio excellence. It’s a real French treat. If you love Amelie you’ll appreciate the movie for the elements of that film still comes through in this one. It needs a lot of attention though at times it might fail to hold yours. The subtitles come and go very fast so it needs concentration. If you’re not the type who digs movies that’s melodramatic, skip this one. It’s neither a date movie, nor a barkada type. Prepare to be a little exhausted, the engagement is truly quite long. One thing I failed to mention---- they lived up to the title.