Nathalie…(2003)

by | May 29, 2006 | DVD & Blu-ray Video Reviews | 0 comments

Nathalie… (2003)

Starring: Fanny Ardant, Gérard Depardieu, Emmanuelle Béart
Director: Anne Fontaine
Studio: Studio Canal/Koch Lorber Films DV-3077
Video: Enhanced for 16:9
Audio: Dolby Digital stereo, French with English subtitles
Extras: Making of… Featurette; Original French trailer
Length: 105 minutes
Rating: ***1/2

The fire has died out in the relationship of Bernard and Catherine. She understands that her suspicions of his infidelities are confirmed. She is drawn to a prositute who she pays to pose as “Nathalie” and seduce her husband to find out what turns him on, then reporting back to her. The stories Nathalie returns with are often shocking to Catherine, although she is a gynocologist. The relationship of the two women develops in unexpected ways and there is a major twist in the plot. Sorry ladies, Depardieu doesn’t get to do any sex scenes.

The film is typically French, with plenty of scenes at bars and dining tables, and much smoking of course.  Acting is very believable and Nathalie shows herself a pro at the pole work in the brothel where she entertains. It’s a sort of chamber work film which would be hard to do in the U.S. due to our generally stricter codes regarding fidelity. While presented at several international film festivals, Nathalie… never won any awards, but is worth seeing, especially for Depardieu fans. Cinematography is first rate and the transfer is good with no visible artifacts.

 – John Sunier

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