Conduzindo Madeleine

It's not the destination, it's the journey" Ralph Waldo Emerson. Philosopher.

Review Xanthe OConnor

With a opening mise en scene, that establishes the psychology turmoil of Taxi driver Charles, in true French style, because all he needs now is to drive across to the other side of Paris to pick up a fare, on arrival his passenger is no where to be seen, suddenly his dark mood is broken by the cutting feisty tones of the elderly (92 yrs old) Magdalene, who is moving into a retirement home.

Not a great start for both, as Charles dreads the return journey back across Paris. And Magdalene tries to postpone her move to the nursing home. However, this is the beginning of a beautiful bitter sweet journey. Which draws out a bonding respect and mutual compassion for both During the journey Magdalene prises open the all too closed grumpy Charles, by her candour and strength, as she unveils the incredible under current of her own life story. This last taxi ride for her, is a last grasp to resolve moments in her past Its the juxtaposition of the shared stories which bridge ages of the two, giving each other the insight and understanding to bring a shared tenderness and compassion.

Throughout the journey we visit flash backs of situations and the places of Magdalene past, which is elevated by the enticing glimpses of Paris. From the taxi window. Charles once blinded to it's beauty, begins to open his eyes as re evaluates the preciousness of his family and in life.

The cinematography and editing is seamless, music creates a flowing ambience and direction holds a tender nugget of emotion.

A taxi ride across Paris can be one of life's most romantic times, and so it is in Driving Madeleine, a French souffle about a titular 92-year-old (Line Renaud, a famous French singer 95 years old) being taken by court order after a fall to a rest home, perhaps a final journey. Driver Charles (Dany Boon) doesn't realize it, but it is a transforming ride for him as well.

Madeleine, having no family but obvious means, requests along the way side trips to her past, both physical places along the way and memories that turn on love and heartbreak but have a salutary effect on both characters.

From stories of her first kiss during WWII, with Matt's kisses like "honey and oranges," to marriage abuse typical in the 1950's, Madeleine remains positive about being alive and loved. Charles, at 46 almost like a grandson to Madeleine, parries with financial woes but also hymns of love for his daughter. His tales of woe are shared by most working-class blokes.

The lovely background of a road-trip movie by cinematographer Pierre Cottereau, juxtaposed with some searing memories of Madeleine's younger self, comprise a delicate drama of life's ups and downs, from which our protagonists find a solace in living every day. It almost seems writer-director Christian Carion wishes us to smell those roses despite the disappointments that our fates appoint.

I am critical of sentimental movies like this that rely heavily on flash backs, yet here they work successfully to help guide us through her robust Odyssey. Although Driving Madeleine could seem a bon-bon movie trip, it is not.

It is a serio-comic trip with two fascinating characters reliving their lives and better because of it. At a difficult time of year to find good movies, you will have found one as well as a tear or two for this delicate protagonist and an end of life that will toll for all of us in one way or another.

As with most films premiering on the Gothenburg film festival, you can experience greatness.

As is the case with this masterpiece.

It is just very beautiful in terms of writing, shooting, cinematography and acting.

It is a very clever and well conveyed script that is sure to delight most film fans, and the film is very expertly and interestingly edited.

Overall, an incredible masterpiece that dares to experiment with the visual medium and with bold and interesting writing in ways that are commendable. It is truly a great drama for the ages that should be experienced by any lover of film. Give it a watch!

When you've watched as many movies as I have you don't really think anything original can come along. But this was a total, refreshing surprise. Beautifully and perfectly cast and acted, what appeared would be a simple story became a complex but warm, difficult and open hearted encounter of two very different people - one a taxi driver and the other, his elderly, enchanting fare. And from this taxi ride a tale unfolds that is quite unexpected. It's a beautiful movie of encounters that reach deep into those spaces in the hearts and lives of people. This is truly a must watch for anyone wanting a meaningful movie experience.

Greetings again from the darkness. This film surprised me with two clear and valuable reminders. First, with a bit of effort, we can always have a positive impact on others - sometimes to the degree that we change their life. Second, everyone has a life story, and we only learn it if we take the time to ask and listen. Writer-director Christian Carion is known for THE GIRL FROM PARIS (2001) and the superb Oscar nominated JOYEUX NOEL (2005). With co-writer Cyril Gely, Carion delivers a heartfelt story of two people with seemingly nothing in common, crossing paths and making a difference.

Charles (Dany Boon) is a Paris-based taxi driver who feels his life crumbling ever so quickly. His marriage is on the rocks. His financial woes seem insurmountable. He's one more traffic violation from losing his driver's license, which means no driving a taxi, and of course, more money problems. His dispatcher calls and offers him a fare that would take him cross-town. At first Charles balks, but quickly remembers he needs the cash. Extremely annoyed when he arrives, Charles repeatedly honks his horn until an elderly lady assures him that she's ready for the ride. In fact, it's to be Madeleine's (Line Renaud) final ride. A trip to the nursing home to live out her final days.

Appearing years short of her 92-year age, Madeleine requests Charles to drive her through the areas that were key to her life. It's a life that has a shocking past and one that slowly emerges as her charms and warmth thaw Charles' previously irritated demeanor. It's fascinating to watch a bond ... even a friendship ... formed from this unusual day trip around the city. These two should share little common ground, but what we find is that people tend to respond to kindness and listening and sincerity. These two help each other in ways neither could have imagined.

Comparisons to Best Picture Oscar winner DRIVING MISS DAISY (1989) are understandable, yet Madeleine and Charles carve out their own movie niche, and we find ourselves liking each of them. Dany Boone starred in director Carion's history-based JOYEUX NOEL (2005), and although he is best known for his comedic work, that film and this one proves his dramatic chops. Line Renaud began performing in the 1940's and is a well-known singer in France. As a 'sometime' actress, she lights up the screen here as our beloved and spirited Madeleine. The ending may be a bit of a stretch (even though we see it coming), but the real joy here is watching these two connect as flawed human beings.

Progressive theatrical openings on January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024.