Saint Amour

Gustave Kervern and Benoît Delépine’s prior films were Aaltra (2004), Louise-Michel (2008), Mammuth (2010) and Le grand soir (2012). Aaltra and Louise-Michel screened at Pluk. Pluk is loyal. So are Kervern and Delépine, who like to work with the same actors. In Mammuth their lead actor was Gérard Depardieu. In Le grand soir it was Benoît Poelvoorde. Saint Amour has them both. Saint Amour may be their sweetest film. Depardieu and Poelvoorde play father and son – completely believable. Two losers who try to bond during an ill-informed wine tour through France. And their acting is so subtle, so subtle…!

It’s hard to relate to his boorish public and political persona, but almost no other actor can play as delicately, be as totally one with a role, as Depardieu. A delicate giant, who embodies his parts with every fibre of his being. Poelvoorde is more of a clown, always has been, but the most subtle clown I know. If you saw him waving at you from a deserted cemetery in the middle of the night, it would just be funny.

It’s hard to relate to his boorish public and political persona, but almost no other actor can play as delicately as Depardieu.

Kervern and Delépine know how to cast: Saint Amour has many strong supporting characters as well, because you run into those in a road movie. Some beautiful female roles, who feel like they deserved more screen time, but still create an impact because of the actresses (Chiara Mastroianni, Céline Sallette, Ana Girardot). Although the men don’t always treat the women well. When sexual frustration and excessive alcohol… well, you get the drift. This also makes things a bit vulgar at times, which takes away from the tension. But when that happens, you only have to focus on the faces of Depardieu and Poelvoorde. Amazing actors.

KEES Driessen (translation by Marjan Westbroek)

Trailer