Judith Ralitzer, a successful mystery novelist, is interviewed in a French television program not unlike "Bouillion de culture", as the film starts. It appears the host of the program didn't care much for her latest novel. What he doesn't realize is that Ms. Ralitzer has been utilizing a man that is in reality the writer himself of many of her best sellers.
"Roman de Gare", which translates as 'airport novel', is a movie that plays in different levels. It is a mystery, and psychological character study of a famous writer who can't write and the man responsible for the success she has enjoyed. She has been employing the talented, but weird, Pierre Laclos, who may, or may not be a serial killer on the loose. Things are not easily explained as it is left to the viewer's imagination to solve this story.
Claude Lelouch, a French director not associated with this genre, shows an affinity for telling the story with its many twists in such a way that one is riveted by the narrative. Mr. Lelouch, whose earlier success sort of betrayed his later works, shows he can't be easily dismissed. He wrote his own screen play which clearly demonstrates he understands the material and how to present it to his audience.
Dominique Pinon, not exactly a matinée idol, was a felicitous choice to portray Pierre Laclos. He has a reptilian quality that we find repugnant, especially knowing first hand about the serial killer roaming the highways of France in search of victims. Mr. Pinon does wonder with a role that with someone else could not project the amount of hidden message he sends to the viewer.
Fanny Ardant, an elegant actress, is also magnificent as the writer that has lost her creative powers. Ms. Ardant does amazing work for the director. When she has a fine role to play, she can be sublime, which is the case with her take of Judith Ralitzer. The same can be said about Audrey Dana, who plays Hugette, the woman abandoned by her boyfriend on a rest stop. Ms. Dana, who is new to us, complete the trio of brilliant performers in this intriguing tale.
Claude Lelouch is in excellent form once again.
"Roman de Gare", which translates as 'airport novel', is a movie that plays in different levels. It is a mystery, and psychological character study of a famous writer who can't write and the man responsible for the success she has enjoyed. She has been employing the talented, but weird, Pierre Laclos, who may, or may not be a serial killer on the loose. Things are not easily explained as it is left to the viewer's imagination to solve this story.
Claude Lelouch, a French director not associated with this genre, shows an affinity for telling the story with its many twists in such a way that one is riveted by the narrative. Mr. Lelouch, whose earlier success sort of betrayed his later works, shows he can't be easily dismissed. He wrote his own screen play which clearly demonstrates he understands the material and how to present it to his audience.
Dominique Pinon, not exactly a matinée idol, was a felicitous choice to portray Pierre Laclos. He has a reptilian quality that we find repugnant, especially knowing first hand about the serial killer roaming the highways of France in search of victims. Mr. Pinon does wonder with a role that with someone else could not project the amount of hidden message he sends to the viewer.
Fanny Ardant, an elegant actress, is also magnificent as the writer that has lost her creative powers. Ms. Ardant does amazing work for the director. When she has a fine role to play, she can be sublime, which is the case with her take of Judith Ralitzer. The same can be said about Audrey Dana, who plays Hugette, the woman abandoned by her boyfriend on a rest stop. Ms. Dana, who is new to us, complete the trio of brilliant performers in this intriguing tale.
Claude Lelouch is in excellent form once again.