Un coeur simple (2008)
Directed by Marion Laine

Film Review

Un coeur simple is an inspired adaptation of one of Gustave Flaubert lesser known works, a short story which, like his better known Madame Bovary, is concerned with a woman's yearning for an unattainable passion.  It is the first full length film to be directed by Marion Laine and in places it does show the telltale signs of a first film - in its uneven narrative, the poorly developed secondary characters and one or two artistic over-indulgences (such as the unnecessary use of slow motion photography). 

Over all, however, the film has much to commend it.  Intense, introspective performances from Sandrine Bonnaire and Marina Foïs convey the torment and quiet despair of two women who fail to find fulfilment in their lives and whose only solace is their uneasy companionship.  Meanwhile, the sets and naturalistic photography perfectly evoke Flaubert's sombre world of rural hardship and bourgeois artificiality.  Whilst the film may lack the force and humanity of Flaubert's writing, it is still a strangely compelling and moving work, pleasing with its understated poetry and moments of exquisite poignancy.

Film Synopsis

Félicité may have the appearance of a simpleton but she is a young woman of the purest heart, born to love others even if they cannot love her with the same sincerity.  She is easy prey for Théodore, a selfish young man who steals her heart and then abandons her.  As she comes to terms with this disappointment, Félicité begins working for Madame Aubain as a housekeeper and childminder.  She soon finds two worthy recipients of her affection in her employer's young children, Paul and Clémence.  Madame Aubain naturally disapproves of her servant's familiarity with her offspring and is too haughty to see that Félicité is providing them with the affection that has long been deprived them.  On her days off, Félicité visits her young nephew Victor, whom she knows she can love without fear of disapproval.  The years pass, the children grow up, and the heart aches come in quick succession.  How can Félicité bear the news that her beloved Victor has died not long after enlisting in the navy?  How can she cope with the equally devastating news that her angelic Clémence has passed away?  For Madame Aubain, who hasn't even the consolation of knowing that her daughter had her love, the blow is even more painfully felt...