Pour quelques minutes de bonheur

Just caught up with this film recently as it was shown on Showtime. To say that it was a surprise, it's the least that can be said. I don't remember a anything as deeply felt, and as well done, and without the cheap sentimentality that might have drowned a film about the subject it treats: Aids.

Of course, this film wouldn't probably been made without the vision and the great direction of Mattia Karrell, who also contributed to the screen play. Contrary to what others have said in this forum, it is not a story that requires a box of tissues when one watches it. My own reaction was an amazement on how well the situation is handled, as it never relies of any cheap tricks to convey what is going on between the long distanced siblings. The past comes to haunt the sister, more so than the dying brother, who obviously was too young to realize what had happened to his mother who has died under mysterious circumstances.

Kiefer Sutherland as Roy, the perfectionist brother, is excellent as this man who must confront his own death. It must be terrible for someone in his line of business to realize his own mortality and have to depend in the kindness of a sister that he stayed away for too long. Kyra Sedgwick's take on the wounded Natalie, is too amazing for words. Natalie stays behind because the love she always felt for Roy. She never rebels against this blow fate has dealt her; Natalie shows she is a better person for staying with her brother until the end.

Never, in recent memory, two talented actors have been paired together with such rewarding results. Rounding the cast is Stockard Channing who is the one responsible for the family reunion, but she is a minor player in this film.

The gorgeous cinematography by Robert Elswit is too stunning for words. The musical score by David Fleury makes a great contribution to the mood of the film. Ultimately, thanks to the director Mattia Karrell comes such an unusual film that deals maturely in presenting a real slice of life without formulas.

I watched this movie on cable recently because there was nothing else on at the time. The power of the film caught me by surprise--I'm amazed that it apparently didn't rate wider distribution (couldn't find a review in either of my movie guides). Its the story of a gay advertising exec (Sutherland) dying from AIDS and the complicated relationship that he has with his estranged sister (Sedgwick), a talented photographer. There are also references to the equally complicated relationships with their father (who probably murdered their mother). The realistic portrayal of these relationships is what drives this movie, bolstered by the outstanding performances of the actors. Sutherland is powerful as a dying man who is terrified and shows it by his alternating pleas for help and outbursts of anger at being helpless. Sedgwick is equally good as the sister who is cowed by her brother but trying to piece together the past and find resolution to the situation. The writer/director dedicated the film to "my brother Roy" and one wonders if this is the reason the film rings so true.

I'm glad to see other peoples' review are like mine. I don't think enough people have seen this movie. It was great drama, Kiefer Sutherland's performance as a dying man - forcing a reconciliation with his sister,was wonderful. He always play tough so well, naturally he would be good as this forceful ad designer perfectionist who happens to be gay and has aids. What a complex character, he played it so well. All the characters were realistic, you feel something for all of them. I highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in complex yet simple story that reminds us how important family relationships are no matter how dysfunctional it may seem.

I don't ordinarily go in for "dying" movies, but Kiefer Sutherland is so talented, I made an exception. He was excellent in this film, bringing the character to life in a most believable way. I also like Kyra Sedgwick, but all throughout, I kept picturing Julia Roberts in that role - they're so much alike, in my opinion. I always love to watch Stockard Channing, who consistently gives a fine performance. She was the shining light in "Grease", which was otherwise pablum. Her scene in BTRD with Sedgwick, where they shouted curses at each other was hysterical!

I thought he was a wonderful man. The first time I met him, he told me I had the face of an angel. I worked for him at Bloomingdale's for Visage Beaute Cosmetics. He was very charming and had a dynamic personality. It was mesmorizing just looking at him. There were 10 of us girls working at the counter and we were all hopelessly devoted to Roy. I also met his partner, Kevin, he was a very nice man, as well. We did whatever we could to make his business a success and were instructed and coached to go out in the aisle of Bloomingdale's and grab women to come to our counter to try Visage. It was a really unique sales technique at the time. I watched this movie recently and I must say, Keifer Sutherland did a good job of portraying him, although I never saw this tougher side of Roy. I am glad that there is some sort of documentation to commemorate this very special man.