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| Movie Review: Tell No One Alternate Title: The French Connection
Story: If you like films that
keep you on the edge of your seat that include exciting, realistic action
scenes, great acting and a riveting plot - run, don't walk to your local
art house to see this film by actor (The Beach) turned director
Guillaume Canet. It was written by Mr. Canet
and Philippe Lefebvre and is based on the international
best selling novel by Harlan Coben. We meet a loving couple as they return to their
childhood lake. A violent event occurs (off camera) and we fast forward
eight years to find the man, pediatrician Alexander Beck, still grieving
over the death of his wife on that fateful night. Or did she die? The
plot involves two uncovered corpses, mysterious e-mails, secret safety
deposit boxes, corruption in high places and a seemingly innocent man
who is pursued by the gendarmes. I cannot tell you much more about the film lest
I spoil it for you. If movies that resolve themselves like a satisfying
jigsaw puzzle are your cup of tea, check out this quenching summer film. Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhwI45ajQA4
Acting: François Cluzet as
Alexandre Beck is simply wonderful. He reminded me of a younger Dustin
Hoffman in Marathon Man. Marie-Josée Croze
(you might remember her from the Diving Bell and the Butterfly)
as Margot Beck is also compelling to watch. André Dussollier
as the father in law is super as are performances by Kristin
Scott Thomas, Marina Hands, François Berléand
and Nathalie Baye. Jean Rochefort,
as millionaire Gilbert Neuville is deliciously creepy. Gilles
Lellouche as thug Bruno is wonderful whenever he is on the
screen and director Guillaume Canet as young Philippe
Neuville winds up a fine cast.
Predilection: I like mysteries.
Critters: A few dogs that end up in a bad way (but
you do not see anything happen to them) and a beautiful Briard.
Food: Cantaloupe, wine and cheese.
Sex Spectrum: Sex is implied but not seen. There is
brief night time nudity.
Blatant Product Placement: Apple
Soundtrack: A terrific track that further adds to
the quality of the film.
Opening Titles: Titles are superimposed over a family
picnic.
Visual Art: France is beautiful as are the interiors
of all of the homes.
Theater Audience: About 15 people in the first showing
on a Monday at the Landmark Sunshine Theater (the one next to Yonah
Schimmel's Knishes).
Weather: The weather was fine throughout the film.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: We worried about the Briard for awhile.
Drift Factor: I did not drift for a nano second and
neither did my pal (who is known to snooze at the movies).
Predictability Level: I had a few surprises.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Why not?
Big Screen or Rental: Fine films are always best
seen on the theater but if you cannot get to this one - rent it when
you can.
Length: A smidgeon over two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 8.5
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