Le Lait de la tendresse humaine
2001 Drama
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Credits
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Summary
Unable to cope with a severe bout of post-natal depression, Christelle abandons her new-born
baby and her family home and turns to a neighbour she has never spoken to before.
That neighbour, Claire, is upset by this intrusion but feels bound to offer the distraught
woman shelter until she recovers. Her boyfriend, Serge, is less sympathetic.
Meanwhile, Christelle’s husband, Laurent, is sent into a panic when he finds that his
wife is missing...
Review
In this dark comedy-drama, Dominique Cabrera tackles an important issue - that of post-natal
depression - with sincerity and insight. The film goes some way to conveying the
distress this condition brings to its victim and those around her, although Cabrera’s
excessive cinéma vérité technique does not make this an easy
film to watch. The hand-held camera is a brilliant tool for bringing a sense of
panic and energy to the film but here it is simply overused and weakens the narrative
flow. The film also feels painfully uneven - its dramatic highs are diluted by languorous
long takes which divert us from the central narrative for no apparent reason. However,
the film’s greatest sin is its cast list. The presence of so many big name actors
- some in no more than cameo appearances - greatly undermines the film’s dramatic impact
and prevents the spectator from developing much of an empathy with the principal characters.
And this is in spite of some very credible performances - notably from Patrick Bruel and
Maryline Canto.
© James Travers 2004 Write a review for this film... |
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