Marguerite

I was touched to the core of my being. I enjoyed it thoroughly with tears in my eyes throughout.

Today I went to the annual showing of the Oscar Nominated Live Action Shorts. I've gone to these showings for at least a decade and must admit that this year's batch was the most god-awful films....all of them very depressing and a few so depressing that I left the theater wanting to shoot myself!! Of the five, "Marguerite" was the least depressing...and it revolves around a woman who is nearing her own death!

Marianne Farley wrote and directed this French-Canadian short. It's a daring film in many ways, as I have noticed that society is afraid to look at aging and death...and Marguerite is elderly and obviously approaching the end of her life. It also has an LGBT theme....not so daring when it comes to Oscars, though daring as far as finding an audience for such a film.

The best things about this film were the acting by Béatrice Picard and Sandrine Bisson. Picard, in particular, impressed me as she allowed herself to be filmed naked in several scenes (they were tastefully done) as well as having close-ups of her wrinkles and weary self. Additionally, the story is interesting and simple...and worth seeing.

Will this one win the Oscar? Probably not, though Hollywood has seemed to have a lot of interest in LGBT themes in recent years....so who knows. Is it the best of the lot, in my opinion, no...though it is still quite good and only somewhat depressing.

Jan 19, 2019 Greetings again from the darkness. It was after the Oscar nominations were announced that I tracked down this one, the last of the 5 nominated live action shorts in the category that I've watched. While the other 4 nominees are tension-packed, this beautiful 18 minute film from writer-director Marianne Farley is serene and both heart-warming and heart-breaking.

Beatrice Picard began her acting career in the 1950's, and here she is extraordinary in the titular role. Marguerite is a lonely elderly woman in the final stage of life. Understanding that her time is near, she has refused the daily dialysis recommended by her doctor. A window in her living room is literally her window to the world. As her body slowly fails, she is a captive in her home. Her time is spent anxiously awaiting the daily arrival of her in-home caregiver Rachel (Sandrine Bisson), a patient and compassionate woman who provides care, as well as Marguerite's only human contact.

Bathing Marguerite, shampooing her hair, helping her get dressed, and applying lotion are part of Rachel's routine. The importance of these moments is obvious by Marguerite's face. One day she overhears a brief phone conversation between Rachel and her partner, which leads to an innocent question ... the answer which ignites a memory in Marguerite that causes much reflection.

Forbidden love left unrequited and unmentioned highlights the generational and societal differences between these two women in ways we don't often consider. It also brings them closer together. The wound that won't heal on her foot is truly insignificant to the decades-long pain Marguerite has carried in her heart. Making peace with her past allows her final stage to play out thanks in part to the tender compassion shown by Rachel.

Marianne Farley is a French Canadian known mostly as an actress, yet this, her second short film as director creates a deep connection despite minimal dialogue between the two women. Cinematographer Marc Simpson-Threlford expertly uses lighting, color and framing to guide us through. C'est beau.

This was well done, in the writing, acting, and directing. It touched my heart deeply!

Original story about an elderly woman's emotional journey into her past. Beautiful cinematography communicates the depth of her emotions. Wonderful acting by lead and supporting actresses. Touching and inspirational!!!!