Movie Description Director Claude Miller was a protégé of Francois Truffaut, and the French master's influence is clear in this low-key thriller, based on the novel THE TREE OF HANDS by Ruth Rendell. Betty (Sandrine Kiberlain), a reclusive best-selling author and mother of a young son, is having a hard enough time dealing with a visit from her eccentric and self-involved mother, Margot (Nicole Garcia), who suffers from a blood disorder that occasionally makes her violent. Betty has the scars from her childhood to prove it. When Betty's son is suddenly and tragically killed, Margot doesn't seem very sympathetic. This story is intertwined with the story of Carole (Mathilde Seigner of WITH A FRIEND LIKE HARRY), the neglectful and abusive mother of Jose (Alexis Chatrian), who is about the same age as Betty's son. When Margot, in a deranged effort to help her daughter, kidnaps Jose, Carole's good-natured African boyfriend, Francois (Luck Mervil) is a prime suspect, and goes looking for the real kidnapper to clear his name. Miller deftly weaves an engaging and suspenseful tale in which characters of different classes and cultures pass through each other's lives. While some of them behave atrociously, Miller never forgets their essential humanity.
| Credits | | Producer: | Annie Miller, Yves Marmion | | Cast: | Arthur Setbon, Edouard Baer, Yves Jacques |
Notes Theatrical release: September 13, 2002 (NY)
Editorial Reviews "...Miller's cool, understated narrative style lucidly traces the way his characters impinge on each other across generational and class lines....In a strong cast, Sandrine Kiberlain stands out..." Sight and Sound - Philip Kemp (06/01/2002)
"...This small, quiet film proves to be a subtle stunner....All of it is handled with superlative psychological nuance..." Film Comment - Chris Chang (09/01/2002)
"...Events cascade with the speed of a roller coaster, tossed about with shameless coincidence, as the inner lives are illuminated with wit and precision....The film also serves up a juicy slice of human nature..." Los Angeles Times - Kevin Thomas (10/04/2002)
"...Miller tells without dialogue, depending instead on juxtapositions of characters and mood. This is an extraordinarily well-executed film..." Box Office - Tim Cogshell (11/01/2002)
"...A nifty, entwined, ultimately gripping adaptation of British crime writer Ruth Rendell's novel....Everything is right about the merciless performances of Kiberlain and Garcia..." Entertainment Weekly - Lisa Schwarzbaum (10/04/2002)
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