Review of Amour (2012) by Arsalan M — 31 May 2013

The most depressing movie I've seen, perhaps ever. Haneke takes us into the world of a narcissistic couple held together by mutual idealization and counter idealization. They have no friends. And even their daughter is excluded from the bond between them.

So that when Anne is stricken with repeated strokes that leave her physically and cognitively impaired the narcissistic injury is overwhelming to both partners. Anne feels humiliated and ashamed. And George feels humiliated and ashamed for her.

He cannot give up the connection to the illusory idealized Anne as the real Anne wastes away in front of him. However, the reality of their situation finally becomes unbearable and comes crashing down on George in one of the best and most unexpected climax you will see.

This is an essentially human and humanistic drama, even if the characters come off as stiff or cold. Definitely worth the five stars. But be warned, it is a slow and at times excruciating move to watch.