The Proprietor (1996)

This is a beautiful film. Jeanne Moreau, charismatic as ever with her evocative face with its distinctive sensual pout and luminous eyes, dominates the film - as intended - as a rich and famous writer, Adrienne Mark, living in New York with nightmares about her young life during the Second World War. The memories that flood back make her want to buy her mother's apartment in Paris, which has come up for auction. Her story unfolds with neatly nuanced flashbacks seamlessly interlaced with the main movement of the film, but there are several sub-plots adding to the film's complexity and interest. A young American photographer, introduces himself to Adrienne in a New York art gallery and their acquaintance develops into a charming theme whereby he gradually wins her affection. The relationship between Adrienne and her maid/companion of long years standing is delicately portrayed with excellent rapport between Moreau and actress Nell Carter. Adrienne's ex-husband (Christopher Cazenove), still in love with her plays his role in her life with careful consideration. Another, significant, sub-plot is the romance between American film director Virginia Kelly (Sean Young) and Patrice (Marc Tissot), son of the director of the original film version of Adrienne's book, a portrayal which pays tribute to French-style movies as Patrice sings to Kelly as they paddle in the fountains at a chateau (Catherine Deneuve films came to mind).

Moreau steals every scene she is in - of course! I'm sure Ismail Merchant and James Ivory fully intended her to. You can't take her eyes off her. Her costumes are beautiful, her hair stylish, her gestures so individual. But Merchant Ivory are always careful not to over-dominate their stories with a single track. The weaving of all the other players' characters and their own stories into Adrienne's is considered and never overdone.

I loved this film and it was simply glorious to watch one of the 20th century's greatest film actresses in a lovely role which suited her down to the ground. Encore champagne!