Julia Berkowitz

Every film has its own positive as well as negative aspects.One of the most positive things about Marta Balletbò-Coll's film Sévigné is that it is very much a pro women film at heart.Everything about this film is shrouded in a feminist allure.It is made by a women,two of its main characters are women.There is not much for men to do in this film as one of the male characters,a drama critic is badly lampooned for failing to see meaning in various enchanting plays.This is the reason why its biggest drawback consists of its being slightly critical of men in some ways.It can be surmised that Marta Balletbò-Coll decided to opt for this ruse to please her female admirers.In her film,we see a variety of human emotions flow freely as women and men express their love for all things including love for arts,theater and human beings.The performances of actors appear restrained as all this is done in a very subtle manner.Marta Balletbò-Coll has also remained faithful to artistic creation as her film discusses problems which artists face when plays are performed.

Sévigné (2004) was written and directed by Marta Balletbò-Coll, who also co-stars in the film.

Anna Azcona plays Júlia Berkowitz, a Renaissance woman who is a both a fine actor and stage director. However, she gave up acting when her young daughter was killed in an automobile accident. She needs a new play to direct; a play that will be both an artistic and financial success.

Enter Marina Ferrer-Amat, who works in TV but who has written a fascinating stage play. (Marina is played by Marta Balletbò-Coll herself. How someone can write a script, and then direct it and star in it is beyond my comprehension!)

The remainder of the movie is primarily devoted to the relationship between these two women as they become closer professionally and emotionally. There are several subplots, but these serve primarily to move the action forward. The real story is the complex and intricate interaction between the two leads, both of whom are portrayed brilliantly by Azcona and Balletbò-Coll.

This film is subtle and nuanced. It's clearly worth seeking out-- probably not an easy task. (The movie was brought to Rochester by ImageOut, the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. I don't know if it will be available commercially.)

Finally, when we saw the film, at least 90% of the audience was lesbian couples. It's no surprise that lesbians would support the ImageOut festival. However, I asked myself, Where are the heterosexuals? A film of this quality deserves to be seen by everyone. I was disappointed that more people didn't take advantage of the opportunity to attend a showing of such an outstanding film.