GREEN CARD
[Mild spoilers]
A film review by Mark Kosten
Copyright 1991 Mark Kosten
Peter Weir (last seen directing DEAD POETS SOCIETY) brings together Gerard Depardieu (probably the most popular actor in France) and Andie MacDowell (from SEX, LIES AND VIDEOTAPE) in this Australian/French co-production. It is set in New York and is essentially a love story. Depardieu plays George, who manages to stay legally in the U.S. and obtain a green card by a convenience marriage to Bronte (MacDowell). They part after the marriage but some time later have to spend some days together to learn about each other because the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) is checking up on them. Naturally they start off disliking each other because they are so different. The rest is fairly obvious, and, despite the predictable and unoriginal story, a delight to watch.
The film has a light and relaxed touch, aided immeasurably by Depardieu's lightness of acting, especially body language, despite his bulk. You find yourself being carried along with a smile on your face as the two principal characters argue, reveal their pasts and foibles and begin to fall in love. The music is terrific, which is a mixture of classical, particularly the well-suited Mozart, and modern electronic/new age. At one point, when George and Bronte are in their separate beds, but thinking of each other, the original music (by Hans Zimmer) is almost entirely responsible for the emotional charge of the scene. Indeed, music plays an important role in the story, culminating in George's dilemma at showing off non-existent composing skills at a party, which is brilliantly solved.
The dialogue is okay and minor characters are underwritten, both typical Weir problems. The scenes with Bronte's father and George in particular seem unfinished.
Overall, a very enjoyable film. I strongly recommend GREEN CARD.
Dr Mark Kosten, phone: +61 3 479-2767 Computer Centre, AARNet (internet): ccmk@lure.latrobe.edu.au La Trobe University, X.25 (PSI): 05052347300000::ccmk Bundoora, 3083 Australia
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