Multiple : France/Germany/Austria : Rated - PG13 : Running Time - 127 mins
In 2009 director Michael Haneke won the Palme d'Or, the top prize given at the Cannes International Film Festival, for his film "The White Ribbon." He enjoyed the experience so much he won it again in 2012 becoming the first director in the history of the competition to claim two top prizes. His 2012 masterpiece is "Amour," a bare bones, examination of marital vows that is both beautiful and excruciating. The story surrounds Georges and his wife Anne, a retired couple living in France. After Anne suffers a physical malady, Georges is forced to care for her and the bond of husband and wife is truly tested.
This film sits like a weight on your chest from beginning to end. Haneke proves once again, to be a master of the foreboding atmosphere. You feel the confinement in every scene and all the aches and groans of physical agony seem to be personified in the creaks and moans of the apartment. In the film as in life, the release is a hurricane of emotions and only silence remains as the credits roll and we are free from Haneke's grip.
Jean-Louis Trintignant plays Georges, the ever watchful and dutiful husband, who must tread a fine line between the wishes of his family, the concerns of the physicians and the dignity of his wife. He delivers a truly heartbreaking performance. Emmanuelle Riva's turn as Anne, is a masterwork of acting ability. Her journey from able-bodied partner to disabled patient is incredible.
Amour triumphs in its abilty to reach out to everyone who views it and touch them in some way. It inspires any number of reactions and stirs many more emotions. The pain it inflicts is not to be ignored, it is only the recognition of the overwhelming and universal power of love.
Snobby Art House Rating - A+
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