I had no prior knowledge of this film and it was something of a shock to the system.
The first half hour or so suggest it's going to be a cosy romantic drama the repressed attractive piano teacher finally falling in love with the young idealistic student who lets her see there's more to life etc etc.
SPOILERS AHEAD
However from the point where we see Erika at the sex shop, it's a harrowing journey which strips away the layers from both Erika and Walter and leaves both characters' inner selves exposed.
It is a tribute to Isabelle Huppert's acting that we retain sympathy for her throughout despite her actions (her intentional disfigurement of her student could even be interpreted as an attempt to save her from the same fate as Erika). We wish and hope that Erika could be saved or cured by Walter, but it is no surprise at the end where Erika accepts that there is no hope or future for her.
Similarly when Walter reveals his ruthlessness and callousness, we couldn't altogether condemn him rather we feel an inner sadness at the baseness of human beings and their capability to inflict suffering despite having what starts out as the best of motives.
Altogether a disturbing film and not for the faint-hearted with some nice directorial touches particularly the way Erika and Walter seem to change their appearances throughout which keeps the audience's attention and interest.
Having watched La Vie de Jesus just a couple of nights ago and now this, perhaps time for something a little more light hearted!
The first half hour or so suggest it's going to be a cosy romantic drama the repressed attractive piano teacher finally falling in love with the young idealistic student who lets her see there's more to life etc etc.
SPOILERS AHEAD
However from the point where we see Erika at the sex shop, it's a harrowing journey which strips away the layers from both Erika and Walter and leaves both characters' inner selves exposed.
It is a tribute to Isabelle Huppert's acting that we retain sympathy for her throughout despite her actions (her intentional disfigurement of her student could even be interpreted as an attempt to save her from the same fate as Erika). We wish and hope that Erika could be saved or cured by Walter, but it is no surprise at the end where Erika accepts that there is no hope or future for her.
Similarly when Walter reveals his ruthlessness and callousness, we couldn't altogether condemn him rather we feel an inner sadness at the baseness of human beings and their capability to inflict suffering despite having what starts out as the best of motives.
Altogether a disturbing film and not for the faint-hearted with some nice directorial touches particularly the way Erika and Walter seem to change their appearances throughout which keeps the audience's attention and interest.
Having watched La Vie de Jesus just a couple of nights ago and now this, perhaps time for something a little more light hearted!