I mentioned earlier that I went to the movies last night and the movie du jour was the French film Rust and Bone starring Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts. The film was a suggestion by my French friends but I’m down for any film that stars Cotillard. I must confess, I had no idea what the movie was about but I had heard good things about it and, well, that’s what we saw. I really loved the film for many reasons, most particularly because of the acting prowess of the lead players. Unlike American films that have to hit you over the head with the obvious, I really responded to the subtle nature of the storytelling employed in Rust and Bone. It’s prolly not the film for everyone but I really enjoyed it very much.
Basically, Rust and Bone tells the tale of the intersecting lives of a killer whale trainer and a down-on-his-luck fighter who meet and start up a dramatic relationship with one another. After Marion‘s character Stephanie (the trainer) suffers a sever accident, the dynamics of her relationship with Mattias‘s character Ali (the fighter) changes significantly. Ali has a son but isn’t necessarily a great father. The narrative here isn’t really a linear one. The story, once completed, isn’t really tied up in a nice bow. Rust and Bone is essentially an opportunity to get to know these somewhat flawed characters better by way the circumstances of their lives change over time. Again, I’m going to guess that not every will love this movie but I really did. I can honestly say, I was lost in the 2 hour timespan of the film and really enjoyed being in that world. If you’re looking for a film that has a bit more meat than something like Les Misérables, then I suggest Rust and Bone. Have any of y’all already seen it? What did you think of the film?
hmmmm. there was someone who keeps talking about his film and how much they love, love, love, love it…… gosh i wish i could remember who that was……….
ahem. xx
Jennifer Wilson, LOLOLOLOL. See below ;)
lol duh, lady. i just was looking at the theater listings by my house and saw this one and thought to myself ‘hmmmm shannon would really want me to see this…. i should go’
but then i stayed home and watched dvds of golden girls instead. next time, i swear!
My favorite film of 2012/my life. Seriously. It officially became my favorite film of all time, surpassing ‘City Of God’!!! I’m so glad you saw it Trent. Johnny just got me the book and I am in love. It’s a collection of short stories and the movie is based on two of the stories. The writing is very intense, very Hemingway; it’s all so gooooood.
There were so many parts where I lost it in the theatre, but when Marion showed up with the *SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT* tattoos I was just done. DONE. Did I say I loved this film? Okay. Yeah.
this was my favourite movie of 2012 – it’s gritty and real and raw…the two main characters play off each other so well and Mattias is one to watch…hot hot hot!
I have heard some amazing things about this film – mostly from Shannon haha. A couple of my old French professors have talked about it too. i really wanna watch it, as i do love French films.
I also would love some suggestions of other French films people love. Thoughts?
Thomas, I listed at least 4 French films on my top 12 Indie movies of the year. One of my New Year’s resolutions is literally to watch more French movies, lol:
http://www.pinkisthenewblog.com/2012-12-30/best-of-2012-here-are-12-of-the-most-life-changing-indie-movies-of-the-year
Thanks Shannon! Thought I remember you talking about some not that long ago. I see on Netflix here in Canada they have the movie ‘Love Crime’ which looks fantastic.
One of my favourite French films is ‘La nuit américane’ directed by Francois Truffault. Have you seen it?
Thomas, I haven’t seen this one but it’s going on my list now! Thank you :)
Rust and Bone was directed by Jacques Audiard, the guy who also did “A Prophet”. His movies are always incredible, he’s an artist.