Review of I've Loved You So Long (2008) by Morten A — 29 May 2010
A riveting performance by Kristin Scott Thomas transforms Phillippe Claudel's story of a woman released from prison after 15 years from merely watchable to an experience that should not be missed by any true cinema-lover (or by anyone aspiring to greatness as an actor).
Scott Thomas' portrayal of Juliette Fontaine is rooted in a fragile dignity, and possesses a quality of rare grace hardly ever seen on the big screen today, conveying a lifetime of emotion through the expression in her eyes before even a single word of dialogue is spoken.
As an actress, she seems to grow and grow - the French cinematic style of stripping characters bare clearly suits her as does the artistic direction of the likes of Sam Taylor-Wood, for whom Scott Thomas delivered another star turn in Nowhere Boy.
The rest of the cast provide solid support and, although there is an element of predictability about the plot that renders the twist at the end something of an anticlimax, the raw humanity of the film never wavers; Claudel's thoughtful exploration of the minor characters alongside the unfolding of Juliette's story makes for an enriching experience throughout.
This review of I've Loved You So Long (2008) was written by Morten A on 29 May 2010.
I've Loved You So Long has generally received very positive reviews.
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