Maelström (2002)
Theatrical Release: Jan 25, 2002 Limited
Synopsis: This unusual gem of a film is a gorgeously conceived and well-executed morality tale, narrated by a gory, blood-smeared, dying fish. This choice of a narrator may seem bizarre, and is certainly unusual, but somehow it works perfectly in the film--it creates a gothic fairy tale atmosphere,... This unusual gem of a film is a gorgeously conceived and well-executed morality tale, narrated by a gory, blood-smeared, dying fish. This choice of a narrator may seem bizarre, and is certainly unusual, but somehow it works perfectly in the film--it creates a gothic fairy tale atmosphere, and adds a dash of humor to what is a difficult, grim story. The film begins with a graphic scene of the heroine, Bibi (Marie-Josee Croze), getting an abortion. Bibi's guilt feelings are multiplied tenfold when on a rainy night soon thereafter, she accidentally hits a man and drives off, leaving him to die. Her sophisticated life as the successful owner of a chic boutique and heiress of a famous father's fortune begins to swiftly and spectacularly unravel. After she survives a suicide attempt, Bibi's guilt has still not been alleviated, and she decides to track down the body of the man she killed. At the morgue, she runs into the dead man's son, who asks her to stay with him while he sorts through his father's possessions. The son ends up falling in love with Bibi, but she remains consumed with guilt over what is now her terrible secret. All of the film's acting, but especially the difficult part of Bibi, is done with beauty and sensitivity. The film's lush photography at times hearkens back to director Villeneuve's music video work, but its stylish quality always serves the story's needs. This poetic tale of moral responsibility and despair is a uniquely haunting, must-see film. [More]
Genre: Dramas
Starring: Marie-Josee Croze, Jean-Nicholas Verrault, Stephanie Morgenstern, Pierre Lebeau
DVD Info
Release:
Mar 18, 2003
DVD Features:
- Region 1
- Keep Case
Audio:
- Dolby Digital Stereo - English
Buy It On DVD
Reviews
Not too far below the gloss you can still feel director Denis Villeneuve's beating heart and the fondness he has for his characters.
Most fish stories are a little peculiar, but this is one that should be thrown back in the river.
An oddity, to be sure, but one that you might wind up remembering with a degree of affection rather than revulsion.
An oddly affecting and often darkly funny drama about the randomness of life and the possibility of redemption.
The main story ... is compelling enough, but it's difficult to shrug off the annoyance of that chatty fish.
'Sophisticated' viewers who refuse to admit that they don't like it will likely call it 'challenging' to their fellow sophisticates.
This is a nervy, risky film, and Villeneuve has inspired Croze to give herself over completely to the tormented persona of Bibi.
Offers the flash of rock videos fused with solid performances and eerie atmosphere.
Maelstrom is strange and compelling, engrossing and different, a moral tale with a twisted sense of humor.
Observant intelligence constantly vies with pretension -- and sometimes plain wacky implausibility -- throughout Maelstrom.


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