19/05/2006

It was cruel revenge with, as its backdrop, classical music and a demonstration of subtle talent yesterday in Un Certain Regard with La Tourneuse de pages [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Denis Dercourt
interview: Michel Saint-Jean
film profile], the third feature by French director Denis Dercourt, who in real life works as an alto and chamber music teacher at the Conservatory.

With superb performances from its two leading actresses, Catherine Frot and Déborah François (The Child [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Luc & Jean-Pierre Dardenne
film profile]), the film tells the story of a ten-year simmering revenge, that of a young butcher’s daughter whose hopes of becoming a pianist are brought to an abrupt end when a concert pianist traumatises her at an audition.

Later employed as an intern by the musician’s lawyer (Pascal Gregory), then as a babysitter for their son on a two-week holiday, the young girl methodically weaves her web, making herself indispensable to the concert pianist as a page turner, but also as a potential lover, before abandoning everything.

Beyond the mix of intrigue, suspense and a strong dose of manipulation, La tourneuse de pages is a very realistic exploration of the world of amateur and professional musicians (repetitions, auditions, concerts, pressure and stress) as well as a successful portrait of the daily life of a privileged cultural class (a country manor, underground swimming pool, tennis courts).

However, the film seduces audiences especially because of the quality composition of atmospheres and the feelings discretely expressed on the actors’ faces, due in particular to remarkably fluid camera movements. La Tourneuse de pages is a very fine film whose psychological ferocity advances secretly behind the mask of contained emotions.

Produced by Diaphana, the €3m film received co-production funding from Les Films à Un Dollar and France 3 Cinéma (€450,000), and a pre-sales agreement from Canal + and Ciné Cinéma. Sales are being handled by Films Distribution. The film will be released August 16 in France.

(Translated from French)