Review of I've Loved You So Long (2008) by Daniel K — 29 Apr 2012

4: It took me three or four viewings to go from 3.5 to 4 stars, but I'm finally there. The ending and Scott Thomas's performance are powerful enough to demand it. I really love quality contemporary French films.

They are always a breath of fresh air when compared to most American productions. Not that many American films aren't routinely spectacular, but there's something about French filmmakers that is just a bit different.

What impressed me most about the film was its economy and subtlety. There is not a shot or a moment wasted throughout. Claudel and company consistently cut the end of conversations, the answers to questions, the next action, and the beginning of a scene; or don't show the viewer the arrival of a character off camera and instead simply give us their voice; or neglect to cut away to whatever the characters are gazing at.

All of these additional shots the filmmakers could have included within the film were unnecessary to the films narrative and mood though. A lesser film would not have been so selectively economical. The performances, narrative, photography, music, and tone of the film all complement one another wonderfully as well.

Scott Thomas is certainly something of an enigma throughout much of the picture, but what a fascinating and beautiful one. She proves once again why she is one of my favorite actresses working today. The picture definitely makes one wonder why she isn't utilized more often by the French.

Her performance is engrossing, deep, complex, and subtle. It is certainly the highlight of the picture. The rest of the performances are right on the money as well. The two sisters in particular are quite well matched.

The photography comes in second. The entire picture is absolutely gorgeous. The wonderful transfer on Blu-Ray doesn't hurt either. The scenes are routinely filled with a light that is both natural and impossibly perfect.

It and the music (much of the time) provide the perfect less dreary counterpoint to the often serious nature of the narrative. I anticipate this film only getting better with additional viewings.