Critique: The Widow of Saint-Pierre is very distant, and contains weak arguments. Yet, Juliette Binoche and Daniel Auteuil are astounding actors, and shine beautifully in their roles. The whole film is very well acted. The scenery is rich and attractive. However, without more personal direction and execution (no pun intended) the film feels hollow and stale. Although there are different ways to analyze this film, my feeling is that it is a film that opposes the death penalty. Assuming this is the case (as many others have), one sees glaring holes in the film's arguments. For instance, we are meant to feel the guy who killed somebody has bettered himself, and no longer deserves a punishment. That is simply not true. He still did something horrible, and at best his punishment should be lessoned. Undoubtedly he should still receive a sizable sentence out of fairness to the victim. In a modern, civilized society that uses the death penalty, an unfairness of this film would not occur. If someone kills another person when he is drunk he will not be put to death. If someone plans to kill another person, and does, he is put to death. Also, if a murderer changes afterwards it is nice, but irrelevent. He still has the capability in him. Again, depending on the case, his punishment can be made less severe.
Another fault of the film is that many plot points are never fully explored. Any idiot can see whenever the guillotine is brought up the husband and wife begin to make love. It seems obvious that the wife is using the husband to endorse her stunningly idealistic views. The point is never fully exposed, but it seems there was a purpose behind putting it there in the first place. The film doesn't always play the wrong notes. It's hard not to be impressed with the chemistry Binoche and Auteuil deliver on screen. They are very believable, and separately very thoughtful.
The Widow of Saint-Pierre has wonderful acting, and gorgeous scenery. It however is much too distant, and its arguments are confused, weak and contradictory. The character's plights are not accessible. The film is too flawed to be recommendable, despite the talent involved.
review by supernothingman |
