Heure d'été, L' (2008) (English title Summer hours) isn't an easy film to concentrate upon. A talky subtitled film often means that the audience is concentrating upon the written word and the characters rather then the narrative or cinematography, and Summer Hours has the added complication of possessing a cracking, almost manic pace in the first two reels or so....The story is pure Chekov and couldn't be simpler. An old woman dies. Her three children argue, very gently, about whether to sell the family home and her much beloved art collection.
Like Chekov, it is all very talky, but director Olivier Assayas and the actors inject a deep sense of attachment and affection between the fragmented siblings that is central to the story. Juliette Binoche had the most difficult role as the slightly colder sister Adrienne and does not quite elicit the sympathy of the audience as the more likable brothers do (Charles Berling and the dishy Jérémie Renier) but as a study of the relationships between siblings as they say goodbye to their childhood memories, the film is sweet enough.
My favourite scene in this dialogue heavy movie is strangely a silent one. The empty house of the family matriarch is locked and cold, and outside the loyal elderly house keeper Eloise (a warm and benign Isabelle Sadoyan) quietly gazes through each window with a sad dignity.
It is a beautiful, moving and powerful scene.
Anyhow I went over to Manchester to see the film at the Cornerhouse Cinema and stayed with Nigel, which is always nice.
Nigel is reassuringly old fashioned as he always looks after his visitors so very well. Food is prepared, guest towels are laid out and beds are neatly clean and tidy. It seems a small thing, but is indeed a much welcomed and appreciated treat. I was tired but had a great evening.
