Comedy of Innocence

Comedy of Innocence
by Raoul Ruiz

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Movie Reviews of Comedy of Innocence

Movie Review: Compelling Psycho-Drama
Summary: 4 Stars

If your looking for something French, something out of the ordinary, and a film well worth discussing after the view, this film is for you. I have to admit, there were moments in this film I found a little hard to follow, and others hard to swallow, but there was never a moment that I wanted to leave my seat, as the story became more compelling with every scene. Don't let the title fool you...it's a psychological drama/mystery that would take the wisdom of King Solomon, the expertise of Dr. Freud, and the patience of, well..a mother...to unravel.

Camille is a precocious nine year old, and only child of a well to do family. On his birthday he startles his mother Ariane, by declaring that he is not really Camille, he is a boy named Paul and she is not his mother at all. Ariane is eager to show Camille her love for him, and goes along with him, as he takes her on what seems to be a wild goose chase, but finds them at the apartment of Isabella, a woman who he now calls Mommy and who is thrilled to be reunited with her long lost,deceased son. And so the psychological tug-of-war for the boy begins. Who is this child really? Could he be the reincarnation of Paul? Is Ariane going mad? You won't want to miss a frame of this fascinating story.

Although I had never seen it before, I purchased this film, mainly because I am a fan of Isabelle Huppert. She turns in a wonderful performance of the very distraught mother. But I also marvelled at the work of Jeanne Balibar(Isabella), and will now be looking for her films as well. Artfully directed by Raoul Ruiz, with a haunting score, and wonderfully photographed, it's a nice one to add to your foreign film collection.

A very nice DVD from Wellspring. It includes English subtitles, that can be turned off, a very enlightning interview with Director Ruiz, has a nice widescreen picture and excellent sound in DD5.1(may also be viewed in stereo).

This film is billed as a thriller, akin to "The Sixth Sense", I didn't view it as anything like that, and if that is what you are hoping for, you might consider passing this one by.

Merci and enjoy....Laurie