There are some
great sequences within this meditation on art and life set during Nazi
occupation of France
When aged model
and wife to a famed French artist, Léa Cros (Claudia Cardinale) comes across a
poverty stricken Spanish girl named Mercé (Aida Folch), she sees potential in
her as a model. Providing her with food and shelter in exchange for work, Marc
Cros (Jean Rochefort) begins a sculpture with Mercé as the model posing. This
relationship seems beneficial to both, though strain begins with Marc’s growing
attraction to his model and the relationship she begins with a Spanish
resistance fighter found injured in the woods near the house. With no interest
in the war going on or anything else in life outside of his art, Marc
reluctantly finds himself tangled in life while attempting to finish his
sculpture.
Much of Fernando Trueba’s film is
intentionally understated, leaving much to be decided by the audience. We
participate in the creation of a piece of art, and with each step in the
process of this creation we are able to understand the heart of the artist more
completely. At the same time, it does little to let us understand what is going
on in the mind of any character. This film provides a fuller understanding of
the creative process than it does the human condition.
The Blu-ray
release include an interview with director and co-writer Trueba, along with a
photo gallery and trailer.
Entertainment Value:
6/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 7.5/10
Historical
Significance: 5/10
Special Features: 4.5/10
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