Review: The Chambermaid
Cast: Olivier Martinez
Romane Bohringer
Aitana Sanchez-Gijon
Director: Jose Juan Bigas Luna
Review by: Joy Wyse
The popularity of the TITANIC may help attract audiences to this film, the full title of which is The Chambermaid on the Titanic. But this is a totally different type of love story than that shared between Leonardo and Kate. This French-Spanish-Italian joint effort is in French, with English subtitles. It is the story of a young married couple, living strenuous lives, working in a foundry. The owner, lusting after the wife, Zoe, arranges for the young husband, Horty, to win a trip to England where he will witness the initial sailing of the ill-fated Titanic. He hopes that while the husband is away, he can have his way with her. In England, Horty befriends a beautiful French girl who calls herself Marie. She cannot find a room in the overfilled city. He offers to let her share his room. The next morning, she is gone. He goes to the pier and sees her on board. A photographer has taken a tintype of the beauty. After the ship sails, Horty prevails upon the photographer to let him have the photo. Upon returning home, he hears rumors that, during his absence, the owner did have a clandestine affair with the wife. When the owner suddenly gives Horty a large promotion, he realizes that it must be true. Later, at the local bar, Horty tells his friends about Marie and their time together, adding to the reality with highly imaginative additions. His audience grows and he becomes a local hero_.a highly esteemed storyteller, so much so that he becomes an actor, touring the country with his ever-growing story. There is a very surprising ending. The script is quite contrived and even ridiculous in spots, but there are many fascinating scenes. I found the acting to be very good. I give it a C+.
SEE YOU AT THE MOVIES.
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