An architect, of a certain age, Elisabeth, living what appears to be a happy bourgeois life in Bordeaux, receives a surprise she never thought could happen. One day, while at her sprawling apartment, she listens piano music coming from an apartment across the inner courtyard of her building. Beethoven's "Tempest" sonata brings back memories. Her involvement with Philippe Cabrera, comes to haunt her, as she realizes he is the piano player whose music she hears.
Elisabeth Andrieu has been married to Francois for quite some time. As a couple, Elisabeth and Francois have lost the spark that brought us together in the first place. The Andrieus although contented on the surface, has seen better days in their marriage. Their two children, now grown, Agathe and Julien, are going through some problems. Agathe must do well in her finals in college. Julien, on the other hand, has another kind of problem, he comes out to his mother for he realizes he is gay. An understanding Elisabeth has a lot on her plate.
The appearance of Philippe brings about a change in Elisabeth. She is flirtatious at first, but decency restrains her actions. It does not take too long before their passionate lovemaking returns, getting the best of her. Elisabeth, long being in therapy, has doubts about what she has begun, but of course, it is not for her psychologist to suggest what to do in matters where her heart is involved. Elisabeth, doing a renovation of an older house, is visited by Claire, the former wife of Philippe, a change of events that reveals to what extent he calculated his coming back to Elisabeth, who never had a clue as to what his motivation really was about.
Directed with elegance by Josee Dayan, this television movie, is a well crafted vehicle for the stars of the film. Written by Philippe Besson, the screenplay involves the viewer from the start. The viewer goes along, although the coincidences are too conveniently placed to make much sense without Elisabeth not questioning how can she be so gullible in falling for someone she had already loved before. Not that one can blame her, after all, her married life offered her no real gratification. She has made a good home for Francois and the children. Jumping into an affair certainly will end badly for her.
Fanny Ardant shines as Elisabeth. She knows this woman, and it shows in a nuanced performance that asks her to go through emotions well repressed that come to the surface in meeting her old lover again. Charles Berling is effective as Philippe. Both project the heat of the old lovers making music together again. Jean-Pierre Marielle, the wonderful character actor is seen as the psychologist.
Shot in picturesque Bordeaux by Myriam Vinocour, the film has an excellent look thanks to Ms. Dayan's direction and a cast that will not disappoint.
Elisabeth Andrieu has been married to Francois for quite some time. As a couple, Elisabeth and Francois have lost the spark that brought us together in the first place. The Andrieus although contented on the surface, has seen better days in their marriage. Their two children, now grown, Agathe and Julien, are going through some problems. Agathe must do well in her finals in college. Julien, on the other hand, has another kind of problem, he comes out to his mother for he realizes he is gay. An understanding Elisabeth has a lot on her plate.
The appearance of Philippe brings about a change in Elisabeth. She is flirtatious at first, but decency restrains her actions. It does not take too long before their passionate lovemaking returns, getting the best of her. Elisabeth, long being in therapy, has doubts about what she has begun, but of course, it is not for her psychologist to suggest what to do in matters where her heart is involved. Elisabeth, doing a renovation of an older house, is visited by Claire, the former wife of Philippe, a change of events that reveals to what extent he calculated his coming back to Elisabeth, who never had a clue as to what his motivation really was about.
Directed with elegance by Josee Dayan, this television movie, is a well crafted vehicle for the stars of the film. Written by Philippe Besson, the screenplay involves the viewer from the start. The viewer goes along, although the coincidences are too conveniently placed to make much sense without Elisabeth not questioning how can she be so gullible in falling for someone she had already loved before. Not that one can blame her, after all, her married life offered her no real gratification. She has made a good home for Francois and the children. Jumping into an affair certainly will end badly for her.
Fanny Ardant shines as Elisabeth. She knows this woman, and it shows in a nuanced performance that asks her to go through emotions well repressed that come to the surface in meeting her old lover again. Charles Berling is effective as Philippe. Both project the heat of the old lovers making music together again. Jean-Pierre Marielle, the wonderful character actor is seen as the psychologist.
Shot in picturesque Bordeaux by Myriam Vinocour, the film has an excellent look thanks to Ms. Dayan's direction and a cast that will not disappoint.
