Ritratto nella memoria

Virtually unwatchable. Normally Merchant produces and Ivory directs. When they switch rôles, bad things happen.

I saw this film in the Carnegie Hall movie theater. I heard it was from Merchant-Ivory and I love Jeanne Moreau, so this pick was a no-brainer, or so I thought. I knew I was in trouble when James Ivory was the producer and not the director. Ismael Merchant didn't know what he was doing. About a third of the shots had the boom mike hanging into the frame. Ridiculous.

I saw this at the Chicago International Film Festival the autumn of its release. Before the film started, the producers and Madame Moreau made an appearance at the theatre and came to talk a few moments. There were about 25 people in the audience. What an embarrassment that this great lady's appearance would have so few people in attendance! I did what I could to make it celebritous, stood and applauded, and Madame very shyly bowed to us.

The film itself is best described as imperfect jewels - romantic, beautiful scenes and decors, and a capable cast. For some reason it doesn't completely come together as it should. I would still like a DVD version, for no other reason than posterity.

I had seen previews for this film for several years before I could find it in the local Blockbuster and waiting was worth it. The story is tender, without being overdone. All of the characters are connected in meaningful ways, although I have to say casting Sam Waterson as an art auctioner may appear to be an odd role for him, he handled it well.Jeanne Moreau was delightful in the lead. The triumph of the film is her ability to move in and out of the visions with her mother and her lover. While some viewers may have found this far-fetched, just remember that grief creates many levels of reality. The friendship that developed with Josh Hamilton's character (William O'Hara) is great. Despite the fact Moreau finds him a total bore when they first meet, and they then become friends becomes the universal message of this story. Throw in the reconcilation of a marriage gone bad, and the young couple overcoming their cultural differences, and the story comes full circle. The scenes of racial problems in Frances brought the issue to light. Few Americans see this side of France. I give the movie an eight.

This is a beautiful film. Jeanne Moreau, charismatic as ever with her evocative face with its distinctive sensual pout and luminous eyes, dominates the film - as intended - as a rich and famous writer, Adrienne Mark, living in New York with nightmares about her young life during the Second World War. The memories that flood back make her want to buy her mother's apartment in Paris, which has come up for auction. Her story unfolds with neatly nuanced flashbacks seamlessly interlaced with the main movement of the film, but there are several sub-plots adding to the film's complexity and interest. A young American photographer, introduces himself to Adrienne in a New York art gallery and their acquaintance develops into a charming theme whereby he gradually wins her affection. The relationship between Adrienne and her maid/companion of long years standing is delicately portrayed with excellent rapport between Moreau and actress Nell Carter. Adrienne's ex-husband (Christopher Cazenove), still in love with her plays his role in her life with careful consideration. Another, significant, sub-plot is the romance between American film director Virginia Kelly (Sean Young) and Patrice (Marc Tissot), son of the director of the original film version of Adrienne's book, a portrayal which pays tribute to French-style movies as Patrice sings to Kelly as they paddle in the fountains at a chateau (Catherine Deneuve films came to mind).

Moreau steals every scene she is in - of course! I'm sure Ismail Merchant and James Ivory fully intended her to. You can't take her eyes off her. Her costumes are beautiful, her hair stylish, her gestures so individual. But Merchant Ivory are always careful not to over-dominate their stories with a single track. The weaving of all the other players' characters and their own stories into Adrienne's is considered and never overdone.

I loved this film and it was simply glorious to watch one of the 20th century's greatest film actresses in a lovely role which suited her down to the ground. Encore champagne!