“Nathalie… 2003” is a French film about a woman seeking to fill a void in her life. She hires a call girl to explore her desires and ends up discovering more about herself than she anticipated. The movie is like a puzzle, with each piece slowly fitting together to reveal the hidden picture. It’s an intimate, introspective journey that touches on themes of loneliness, desire, and self-discovery.
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Review
Nathalie…: A Dystopian Take on Love and Deception
As George Orwell once said, “In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” This notion is perfectly embodied in the French film “Nathalie…” as it examines the effects of lying, cheating, and secrets on a marriage. Starring France’s darling actors Fanny Ardant and Gerard Depardieu, the film was directed by Anne Fontaine and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2003.
The Storyline
“Nathalie…” opens with Catherine (Ardant) discovering that her husband Bernard (Depardieu) has been cheating on her with a younger woman. To cope with her pain, she turns to prostitution and hires a young prostitute named Nathalie (Emmanuelle Beart) to teach her husband a lesson.
What starts off as revenge becomes an unexpected journey of self-discovery for Catherine as she delves deeper into Nathalie’s world. Their encounters are not sexual but rather emotional as Nathalie encourages Catherine to explore her desires, fantasies, and insecurities through their conversations.
As Catherine becomes more involved in Nathalie’s life, she realizes that even though they come from different worlds, they share similar emotions. However, when Nathalie starts to fall in love with Bernard herself, Catherine must confront her own feelings of jealousy and insecurity.
The Plot
“Nathalie…” explores themes of deception and betrayal within relationships. While Bernard’s affair is the catalyst for the story, it’s really about how two women navigate their own pain through each other. The plot carries an air of melancholy throughout but also provides moments of hope and humor.
Director Anne Fontaine depicts Paris as poetic yet bleak as if it mirrors Catherine’s state of mind. The city becomes another character in the story as we see Catherine wandering through its narrow streets or sitting alone at cafes.
Fact: The film was originally titled “Nathalie X” but was changed because it sounded too much like a porn title.
The Casts
Fanny Ardant delivers a captivating performance as Catherine, conveying her character’s vulnerability and strength with ease. She expertly captures the duality of her character as she tries to find herself while also being consumed by her husband’s infidelity.
Gerard Depardieu, who is known for his explosive performances, plays against type as Bernard. His subdued portrayal adds to the sense of detachment and melancholy of the story. Emmanuelle Beart shines as Nathalie, playing the role with sensuality and nuance.
The Quote
“Love is always spoken here but seldom seen.” This quote from Nathalie perfectly encapsulates the theme of the film. Catherine is searching for love in all the wrong places, while Bernard thinks he loves Catherine without really showing it. Nathalie understands that love is more than just saying it; it’s about actions and sacrifices.
Acting and Characters
The acting in “Nathalie…” is impeccable, with each actor bringing their own interpretation of their respective characters. Catherine’s journey from a repressed housewife to a more self-assured woman is masterfully portrayed by Ardant.
Bernard’s quiet demeanor masks a deep-seated guilt that Depardieu conveys through subtle gestures and expressions. Beart shines in her role as Nathalie, who exudes an air of mystery and sensuality.
History
Released in 2003, “Nathalie…” was well-received by French critics but received mixed reviews internationally. It was nominated for several awards at various festivals, including Best Actress for Fanny Ardant at the Cesar Awards.
Score and Popularity
The score by Michael Nyman adds to the film’s somber tone, its minimalist melody creating an atmosphere of introspection. While not widely known outside France, “Nathalie…” has gained a cult following amongst fans of French cinema.
Filming
The film’s cinematography captures Paris in all its melancholic glory, with its narrow streets and dimly lit cafes providing the perfect setting for the story. The camera work is dynamic and fluid, with close-ups signifying emotional connection and long shots illustrating loneliness.
Evaluation
“Nathalie…” is a lyrical exploration of love, betrayal, and self-discovery that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. The film challenges its audience to examine their own relationships and question what it means to truly love someone.
Awards
Despite not winning any major awards, “Nathalie…” established Anne Fontaine as a filmmaker to watch in French cinema. The film received nominations for Best Actress at several award shows including the Cesar Awards.
Cinematography
The cinematography by Caroline Champetier is breathtaking, capturing the beauty of Paris while also highlighting its darker side. Her use of lighting adds to the melancholic atmosphere of the film.
Opinion
“Nathalie…” may not be everyone’s cup of tea due to its slow pacing and lack of action but those who appreciate character-driven dramas will find much to enjoy. The film’s exploration of female sexuality and empowerment sets it apart from other films dealing with similar themes.
Scenes
The most memorable scene in “Nathalie…” is undoubtedly when Catherine finally confronts Nathalie about her feelings for Bernard. The tension between the two women is palpable, with both actresses delivering powerhouse performances.
Gossip
It’s rumored that Emmanuelle Beart was originally offered Fanny Ardant’s role but declined due to nudity requirements. However, Beart enjoyed the script so much she asked if she could play Nathalie instead!
Soundtracks
The score by Michael Nyman perfectly complements the film’s somber tone, adding an element of introspection without overpowering the story. The music is minimalistic but effective, with its haunting melody staying with viewers long after the credits roll.
Analysis
“Nathalie…” is a film about identity and self-discovery, wrapped in a story of love and betrayal. The characters’ journeys are complex and thought-provoking, leaving the audience with much to ponder after the film ends.
Special Effects
There are no flashy special effects in “Nathalie…” as it relies on its actors and storytelling to convey its message. However, the lighting does add an extra layer of depth to each scene, helping to illustrate the emotions of the characters.
Development
The film was originally based on a short story by Catherine Breillat but underwent significant changes during development. The script was reworked to focus more on Catherine’s journey and less on Nathalie’s prostitution ring.
Dialogue
The dialogue in “Nathalie…” is poetic and introspective, often using metaphor and symbolism to convey its messages. The conversations between Catherine and Nathalie are especially poignant as they explore themes of sexuality and love.
Crews
Director Anne Fontaine assembled a talented crew for “Nathalie…” including cinematographer Caroline Champetier and composer Michael Nyman. Their work adds an extra layer of depth to the film’s already strong storytelling.
Criticism
While praised for its acting and cinematography, “Nathalie…” has been criticized for its slow pacing and lack of action. Some viewers may find it hard to connect with the characters’ journey due to its introspective nature.
Production
Producing “Nathalie…” was not without its challenges as Emmanuelle Beart initially declined due to nudity requirements. Additionally, scheduling conflicts caused some delays during filming but ultimately did not affect the final product.
Editing
The editing in “Nathalie…” is seamless, allowing scenes to flow smoothly from one to another while also highlighting key moments in the story. The pacing is deliberate but effective, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the characters’ emotional journeys.
In conclusion, “Nathalie…” is a film that rewards patience and introspection. Its exploration of love, betrayal, and self-discovery is expertly handled by director Anne Fontaine and her talented cast and crew. While not without its flaws, it’s a film that will leave you pondering its themes long after it ends.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 105
- Release : 2003-09-11
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : Fanny Ardant as Catherine, Emmanuelle BĂ©art as Nathalie / MarlĂšne, GĂ©rard Depardieu as Bernard, Wladimir Yordanoff as François, Judith Magre as Catherine’s Mother
- Crew : Alain Sarde as Producer, Michael Nyman as Original Music Composer, Emmanuelle Castro as Editor, Jean-Marc Fabre as Director of Photography, Philippe Blasband as Idea
- Popularity 9.762
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Vértigo Films, France 2 Cinéma, DD Productions
- Summary : Paris doctor Catherine starts to think her husband, Bernard, is having an affair when she hears an unfamiliar woman’s message on his voice mail. Hoping to learn more about his extramarital activities, Catherine heads to a strip club, where she hires call girl Nathalie to have a fling with Gerard. As the affair progresses, Nathalie gives Catherine regular status reports, and the relationship between the women evolves from business to personal.
- Tagline : Can you ever control another person’s sexuality?
