alexcornas

The Cat and the Mouse is classic thriller with many twists. Like its star Michele Morgan in her last feature role, it has survived the test of time wonderfully. The film oozes style and realism whilst never appearing to do too much or be too self-conscious. Some of the scenes and camera shots used by Lelouch have long been stolen by American and Hong Kong cinema but they still feel fresh and effective.

The two lead, Regianni from Casque D'Or and Morgan from Port of Shadows are both right on point, they play their role with sobriety and panache. The film is captivating from beginning to end. Throughout this extensive investigation, Lelouch paints a realistic portrayal of humanity and temptation, from all levels of society.

This is movie made and written by Van Dormael, director of the wonderful Eighth Day and Mr Nobody is utterly disappointing. Although all the ingredients were gathered to make a great film. A solid director, a great idea, great actors and an amazing cinematography. But all of this this cannot save a poorly written script were style dominates over essence.

The story moves along mechanically like a day at school, everything is beautiful but telegraphed and ultimately pointless. The movie bears no essential message, the characters do not connect with the audience, worst the roles played legendary actors is cringeworthy. Poelvoorde, Damiens and Deneuve are completely wasted in this movie.

It is sadly the kind of movie that makes you think that maybe some of the critics about Van Dormael were right, and that he is simply not amongst the great.

Wonderful movie set for the most part in India. Oscar winner Jean Dujardin plays a movie composer visiting India to work on a new wave film. There he meets the wife of the French ambassador played by Elsa Zylberstein.

Dujardin is at the top of his game, on par with the Cary Grant of the An Affair to Remember, and so is Elsa, who plays her part with incredible honesty and endearing vulnerability. The writing is brillant, all the way through, as expected from master director and writer Claude Lelouch. Some of the dialogue scenes between Dujardin and Zylberstein are some of the better written, acted and most beautiful ever created.

The portrayal of India is honest, extensive and, most importantly, respectful. It's a delightful adventure for anyone who likes smart romantic comedies, much like An Affair to Remember (1957).