Review of I've Loved You So Long (2008) by Chris M — 16 Jul 2009
A beautiful example of restrained film-making. It's true there are so big stylistic pointers to KST's character's bleakness (no makeup, monochromatic, simple clothing) but these are merely the gateway to a stunning performance.
Barely off-screen and with surely the sparsest dialogue for such a leading role, Kristin Scott Thomas is mesmerising. The s-l-o-w series of reveals about her past are apparent in every haunted twitch, flinch and blink. It reminded me of Ulrich Muhe in The Lives of Others. And that is a recommendation of the very highest order.
Our opinion of her character changes as we discover more, and we're always anticipating, second-guessing what will come next. The development of her relationships with Lea, Papy, P'tit Lys are unravelled very nicely, and the overall depiction of family life and dynamics are terrific.
After such a subtle and drawn-out development, the final reveal felt rushed and almost unecessary to me, but that doesn't detract from my overall feelings for this very, very good film...
This review of I've Loved You So Long (2008) was written by Chris M on 16 Jul 2009.
I've Loved You So Long has generally received very positive reviews.
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