MARIUS AND JEANNETTE (M). (Gil Scrine Films) Director: Robert Guediguian Stars: Ariane Ascaride, Gerard Meylan, Pascale Roberts, Jacques Boudet, Frederique Bonnal, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Laetitia Pesenti, Miloud Nacer Running time: 101 minutes (French with English subtitles).
Writer/director Robert Guediguian was born and raised in Marseilles, and has an affinity for the tough working class area and its characters. Guediguian has set his previous films in this same area, somehow finding beauty and inspiration in the harsh environment. A contemporary romantic comedy about the relationship between two middle aged people touched by tragedy, Marius And Jeannette is Guediguian's seventh film, but the first to be released locally.
This enormously appealing film has no real plot to speak of, but is driven along by its wonderful cast of characters.
Jeannette (beautifully played by the director's wife Ariane Ascaride) has been scarred by tragedy all her life. Her father died when she was nine, and she has lost two husbands. One died in an accident, the other walked out on the family and never returned. However, she has a feisty, uncompromising attitude and tackles life on her terms. She has raised her two children, and worked a succession of thankless jobs to pay the bills. Marius (Gerard Meylan) is a shy gentle giant who works as a security guard at the local cement works, which are being demolished to make way for new developments. He also carries around with him the tragic loss of a wife and two children, although his grief has been bottled up inside.
This lonely and scarred pair meet after Jeannette scales a fence at the dilapidated concrete factory to steal a couple of paint cans. Marius drives her away, but the next day shows up at her place with a couple of cans and an apology for his rough attitude. He helps Jeannette paint the house, and a strong affection develops between the pair. However, they have to overcome their own personal demons before they can be truly happy.
There is plenty of advice and support for Jeannette from her eccentric ensemble of neighbours, who share a courtyard. While this charming obviously concentrates on the developing romance between Marius and Jeannette, Guediguian also devotes some screen time to exploring her colourful neighbours, who are sketched in economical fashion. Caroline (Pascale Roberts) is a survivor of the Nazi concentration camps, but has a healthy appetite for life and a generous spirit, while Justin (Jacques Boudet) is a retired teacher who is in love with her. Monique (Frederique Bonnal) and Dede (Jean- Pierre Darrousin) are a married couple constantly fighting over his radical politics.
But, at the heart of the film is an exploration of the healing power of love, and how people find their own happiness despite the hardships they encounter. However, there are a few moments that misfire - such as Justin's political discourses, which are largely irrelevant, and an unusual bar room brawl. There is also a delightful running joke, in which Jeannette constantly encounters her former boss forced to undertake a variety of menial jobs.
Guediguian always works with the same ensemble group of actors, who bring the characters to life with compassion, understanding and humour. Their familiarity and easy going affinity with his laid back style is reflected in the film's realistic and natural style. Meylan gives a soulful performance as the haunted Marius, while Ascaride brings fire and verve to her role.
Marius And Jeannette is suffused with a generous spirit, a relaxed charm, and a genuine sense of warmth. Guediguian maintains a gentle rhythm throughout. The film's upbeat and optimistic nature will strike a more responsive chord with audiences who found the recent Gallic drama Dream Life Of Angels a little too bleak and grim for their tastes.
*** greg king http://www.netau.com.au/gregking
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