Cir666ce

I knew nothing about this film and it has been decades since I read the works of Proust. I was idly curious (if not curiously idle), and grew fascinated with the lassitude and gravitas of the film. Like the films of Ingmar Berman, "Celeste" invites the viewer to immerse in the dreamy sea--metaphorically. The silence--for there is little talking in the movie, and much relentless ticking of clocks--is hypnotic and, if one is prepared to yield to it, nearly irresistible. Of course, this being a film about Proust (and his female counterpart, Celeste) Time is the real star of the show, and is both protagonist and antagonist, its passing alluded to in every scene. Because of the hush and languid pace of the film, the viewer has long moments in which to enter imaginatively into the scene and hear the echoes of the few words spoken and to observe and interpret the two characters' delicate, erotic dance.

I was surprised by how thoroughly this film enchanted me.

Lots of bellyaching reviews here, because watchers did not find what they expected (move on, then, if there is nothing to see here) or because the show is "unrealistic" (thus the "fi" in "sci-fi". . . how realistic is "beam me up" or Patrick Stewart as a Frenchman? Or, for instance, the whole of "Firefly" or even "Star Wars"?) Sorry, friends. I can't help detecting misogyny and a disdain for drama as opposed to high-tech special effects. The series is good. It keeps some viewers--such as my family, my friends, and myself--riveted, perhaps because we read no reviews in advance and had NO expectations. Yes, it is more about the characters than about technological marvels and bipeds in weird facial make-up that is supposed to convince viewers that they are "aliens." If that's not what you'd like to see, then you would not like to watch this show. If you like plot and plotting, if complex characters and excellent acting are to your taste, if you are open to empathizing and conjecturing rather than "ooh-ing and aahing" over special effects that pair well with strong drugs, then this might be your cup of tea, just as Earl Grey is Picard's favored brew. Don't believe everything you read. Give it a try. The writing and the acting are the draws. Too dull for your Friday evening? Fine. Groundlings used to be more sophisticated. And if you think that I am referring here to the earth-bound, you are precisely the audience that should look elsewhere for entertainment.

Perhaps the appetite for spectacle and explicit sex and violence has dulled our collective taste somewhat. The poor reviews posted here suggest that. True--this is a subtle film and not much "happens." The plot is engaging and offers surprises that I did not see coming. (I was watching and speculating.)

Even feeling as negative as I do currently about Kevin Spacey, I have to admire his acting in this film. Laura Linney is (as always) magnificent at conveying layers of emotion. The entire cast is convincing in roles that offer very little scope or character development.

I am sad that this was a commercial failure and that Parks never directed again. In a day or two, I will be enjoying my annual viewing of "It's A Wonderful Life," also not fully appreciated at the time it was released. I believe that this movie is well worth watching and, had it come out at a different time, might have been praised more highly.