Murmur of the Heart (The Criterion Collection)
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DVD details
Actor: Ave Ninchi, Benoît Ferreux, Daniel Gélin, Lea Massari, Michael LonsdaleBrand: IMG
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); French (Original Language), Dolby Digital 1.0
Format: Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.66:1
Running Time: 118 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2006-03-28
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Criterion
DVD Reviews of Murmur of the Heart (The Criterion Collection)
DVD Review: No murmuring here; this film is all heart...
Summary: 5 Stars
There are few films that can get away with the outlandish and taboo behavior found within `Le Souffle au Coeur'. I've been a fan of director Louis Malle's for a while now, having seen two other masterpieces by him, and so this was a film I was dying to actually see. From the films very beginning I could feel it was something special. The jovial talk between two young boys of jazz music was sweet, concise and appropriate. It set the right mood for this unique look at `growing pains' so-to-speak.
The film is a wildly entertaining look at adolescence from the eyes of fifteen-year-old virgin Laurent Chevalier. Growing up in 1950's France, Laurent is your typical teenager. His older brothers are flamboyant playboys who talk of their exploits and teasing their younger brother. Laurent's father is uninterested in him entirely, and his mother Clara is maybe overly interested; doing her best to compensate. Laurent drinks and smokes and pursues relations (not relationships) with other girls hoping to walk into adulthood. When a bout of scarlet fever sends him to the spa he finds himself reaching at the opportunity to lose his virginity.
`Le Souffle au Coeur' is a comedy in pure French fashion. It's vibrant and carries an almost bouncy vibe. It's a film that is determined to make you smile.
What I admire about this film is that it takes a very realistic approach to the teenager's idea of sex. There is no over dramatization here or forced tragedy, but everything is seen through the eyes of the naïve and inexperienced. This way the film can grace the stages of adolescence with an almost fearlessness, giving everything the light appeal of a children's story. As Laurent explores his own sexuality we are never offended or put off or even really concerned (although it is apparent that we should be somewhat concerned) because through the eyes of a child this is something grand and exciting. Sure, it's scary and nerve-racking, but in the end it is yet another experience that brings you closer to adulthood.
Malle superbly directs this film, allowing each frame to slink right into the next with a sensual fluidity that captures the very heart of this story.
The acting is also sublime; Benoit Ferreux nailing every ounce of childlike curiosity that makes his character so human and raw. The real star here though is Lea Massari, who plays Clara, Laurent's mother. She captures the very essence of motherhood and just sucks in the viewer. Her relationship with Laurent (while surely distasteful) is almost understandable, and the films development of the characters and plot make it easy for us to completely adore her. She loves her son and wants to help her son, and that genuine paternal feeling is never lost amidst her poor decisions.
In the end I highly recommend this film. It is a genuine classic and a brilliantly crafted coming-of-age comedy. Yes, the subject matter does get a bit risqué and could offend some, but when placed into context it is far from an offensive film.
Description of Murmur of the Heart (The Criterion Collection)
Synopsis:Item Type: Unknown Type
Item Rating: R
Street Date: 03/28/06
Wide Screen: yes
Director Cut: no
Special Edition: no
LanguageENGLISH
Foreign Film: yes
Subtitlesyes
Dubbed: no
Full Frame: no
Re-Release: no
Packaging: Sleeve Please note: This supplier will be closed on 11/24, 11/25, 12/26, 1/2 for the holidays. The shipping cut off is 12/10 to try and have the products delivered by Christmas.
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