Amour (2012)
Starring Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, and Isabelle Huppert
Directed by Michael Haneke
As Best Picture nominee Amour wrapped up, I couldn't help but be reminded of Blue Valentine, the 2010 recipient of Best Film at the RyMickey Awards. Both films had me wanting to fall in love, but at the same time fear the pain that could come from the emotional connection. While Amour doesn't match the near perfection of Blue Valentine, the French film written and directed by Michael Haneke still provides a heartbreaking look at love through the eyes of an elderly couple who are forced to face some debilitating health issues late in their lives.
Taking place essentially within the confines of a Parisian apartment, Amour begins as a simple glimpse into the world of (presumably) eighty-somethings Georges and Anne (Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva) as they go about their day-to-day living. However, right off the bat, it becomes apparent that things may take a turn for the worse when while sitting at the kitchen table for breakfast one morning, Anne suddenly becomes catatonic -- unable to speak, move, or react. But, much like the semi-unconscious state began in a split second, it ends suddenly with Anne completely unaware of what had just occurred. Unfortunately, this health scare signals the beginning of a downward spiral for Anne who shortly thereafter has a stroke, paralyzing the right side of her body. Georges has vowed to Anne that he will take care of her and will never allow her to be put in a hospital despite their daughter Eva's (Isabelle Huppert) worries that the caretaker role is adding too much stress to her father's daily life. Anne tries to make the most of her life, but she slowly begins to recognize the strain she is placing upon her doting husband.
Time goes on and additional issues arise, but through it all, the love Georges and Anne have for each other is obvious, despite the incredibly subdued nature of the performances and direction. Both Trintignant and Riva have the ability with a simple movement of the eye to convey everything the audience needs to know about their characters' relationship. Even as her condition deteriorates, Georges does all he can to show his love for her, whether that be taking her hand and gently rubbing it to ease her pain or telling her a story about their youth together to fondly remember the past. Similarly, as Anne may want to give up on life, she shows her love by struggling to stay alive, knowing that her husband doesn't want to lose her.
Despite two great performances (Riva deserves her Oscar nomination...I'm still a bit undecided as to whether she deserves the win), the film does move at a bit of a snail's pace. Haneke utilizes long takes to seemingly show the dullness of day-to-day life, but I frankly don't care about watching three minutes of someone cutting flowers as an example. When the movie works, it's fantastic (a pivotal scene towards the end is utterly stunning in the impact its jaw-dropping simplicity makes), but there are a few too many moments of ennui that aren't found in the aforementioned Blue Valentine. Still, Amour is a good film, but I can completely understand if folks find it a chore to sit through.
Taking place essentially within the confines of a Parisian apartment, Amour begins as a simple glimpse into the world of (presumably) eighty-somethings Georges and Anne (Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva) as they go about their day-to-day living. However, right off the bat, it becomes apparent that things may take a turn for the worse when while sitting at the kitchen table for breakfast one morning, Anne suddenly becomes catatonic -- unable to speak, move, or react. But, much like the semi-unconscious state began in a split second, it ends suddenly with Anne completely unaware of what had just occurred. Unfortunately, this health scare signals the beginning of a downward spiral for Anne who shortly thereafter has a stroke, paralyzing the right side of her body. Georges has vowed to Anne that he will take care of her and will never allow her to be put in a hospital despite their daughter Eva's (Isabelle Huppert) worries that the caretaker role is adding too much stress to her father's daily life. Anne tries to make the most of her life, but she slowly begins to recognize the strain she is placing upon her doting husband.
Time goes on and additional issues arise, but through it all, the love Georges and Anne have for each other is obvious, despite the incredibly subdued nature of the performances and direction. Both Trintignant and Riva have the ability with a simple movement of the eye to convey everything the audience needs to know about their characters' relationship. Even as her condition deteriorates, Georges does all he can to show his love for her, whether that be taking her hand and gently rubbing it to ease her pain or telling her a story about their youth together to fondly remember the past. Similarly, as Anne may want to give up on life, she shows her love by struggling to stay alive, knowing that her husband doesn't want to lose her.
Despite two great performances (Riva deserves her Oscar nomination...I'm still a bit undecided as to whether she deserves the win), the film does move at a bit of a snail's pace. Haneke utilizes long takes to seemingly show the dullness of day-to-day life, but I frankly don't care about watching three minutes of someone cutting flowers as an example. When the movie works, it's fantastic (a pivotal scene towards the end is utterly stunning in the impact its jaw-dropping simplicity makes), but there are a few too many moments of ennui that aren't found in the aforementioned Blue Valentine. Still, Amour is a good film, but I can completely understand if folks find it a chore to sit through.
The RyMickey Rating: B
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