Blonde intentions
The Page Turner at the Renoir, Brunswick Square. 23rd November 2006.
First of all, I’ve never been to the Renoir! I’m not sure why considering its indie appeal and plush interiors. The seats are very comfortable and the bar well stocked with wine and gin. Jackpot!
So on to the film. The Page Turner (Tourneuse de Pages). A Hitchcockian style French drama set in the effete world of classical music. C’est magnifique! What’s good about it? To start with the lead actress is the epitome of restrained anger and deferred vengeance in a role that demands a Catherine Deneuve/Tippi Hedren style presence. Hail the return of the glacial ice queen! The child actress that plays Melanie’s younger self is no less demonic in her self possession and control: the mannered way in which she carefully locks and seals her piano after her failed recital is accompanied by an all-time classic ‘I’ll get you later’ expression. And get her she does.
The film is remarkably restrained. In fact, at first it is underplayed to the point where you doubt that the genteel blonde Melanie can carry through her wicked intentions. She's so unassuming, so ordinary in her manner of dress; her well groomed hair, and deferential sense of decorum. She seems too polite to generate such sinister dark mischief. But when she goes to live with the family of her nemesis her true Machiavellian nature is gradually revealed.
She becomes flirtatious and sensual. She befriends the son, at the same time attempting to ruin his career and harbouring a homicidal intent towards him. Finally there is the masterly scene in which she wreaks her revenge upon the creepy Cellist who gropes her in a clumsy, schoolmasterly fashion. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned! Yes indeed (I don’t want to spoil it, but let’s just say that her vengeance hurts like a hole in the foot!).
There aren’t many films like this anymore; it taps deep into the primitive instinct for revenge, and tells us 'it's ok, so long as you don't go too far'. Basically, everyone has someone they'd like to take to task in a similar fashion. Melanie is just going that little bit further than most. The injury done to her is apparently so small that you might not think it warrants the action she takes, but what the film teaches us is that what's insignificant to one party, can be pretty damn substantial to another. Human beings are a lot more savage, and a lot more fragile than you think.
The film is brilliantly acted and brilliantly directed. It has etiquette and class. 9/10.
First of all, I’ve never been to the Renoir! I’m not sure why considering its indie appeal and plush interiors. The seats are very comfortable and the bar well stocked with wine and gin. Jackpot!
So on to the film. The Page Turner (Tourneuse de Pages). A Hitchcockian style French drama set in the effete world of classical music. C’est magnifique! What’s good about it? To start with the lead actress is the epitome of restrained anger and deferred vengeance in a role that demands a Catherine Deneuve/Tippi Hedren style presence. Hail the return of the glacial ice queen! The child actress that plays Melanie’s younger self is no less demonic in her self possession and control: the mannered way in which she carefully locks and seals her piano after her failed recital is accompanied by an all-time classic ‘I’ll get you later’ expression. And get her she does.
The film is remarkably restrained. In fact, at first it is underplayed to the point where you doubt that the genteel blonde Melanie can carry through her wicked intentions. She's so unassuming, so ordinary in her manner of dress; her well groomed hair, and deferential sense of decorum. She seems too polite to generate such sinister dark mischief. But when she goes to live with the family of her nemesis her true Machiavellian nature is gradually revealed.
She becomes flirtatious and sensual. She befriends the son, at the same time attempting to ruin his career and harbouring a homicidal intent towards him. Finally there is the masterly scene in which she wreaks her revenge upon the creepy Cellist who gropes her in a clumsy, schoolmasterly fashion. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned! Yes indeed (I don’t want to spoil it, but let’s just say that her vengeance hurts like a hole in the foot!).
There aren’t many films like this anymore; it taps deep into the primitive instinct for revenge, and tells us 'it's ok, so long as you don't go too far'. Basically, everyone has someone they'd like to take to task in a similar fashion. Melanie is just going that little bit further than most. The injury done to her is apparently so small that you might not think it warrants the action she takes, but what the film teaches us is that what's insignificant to one party, can be pretty damn substantial to another. Human beings are a lot more savage, and a lot more fragile than you think.
The film is brilliantly acted and brilliantly directed. It has etiquette and class. 9/10.
posted by gin soaked girl @ 7:00 PM
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