Fragile(s) (2007) Reviews

• Six characters in search of a movie

  jotix1002013-03-05

  A garbage trash is featured prominently in the narrative, as one man, who obviously wanted to dispose of it, will not be able to do it because circumstances beyond his power. "Fragile(s)" a French film of 2007 was shown recently on cable. Not having seen it, and with a cast that included the great Francois Berleand, Jacques Gamblin and Jean-Pierre Darroussin, could not be horrible. Conceived and directed by Martin Valente, the film offers a non linear narrative as the viewer tries to make sense on how all the six principals will ever meet, or at what point of their lives, they will become so close it would make sense. It takes a while to put all the pieces of the puzzle together, but it becomes clear what Mr. Valente intended to do with his film all along. Life, as in the narrative, is not easy to understand, at times, especially when conflicts arise to make it more difficult. Luckily, the story coalesces toward the end, making it clear who was who and how the different parts of the story is interwoven with the others in surprising ways. The three male principals are up to the task. Mr. Berleand is amazing in doing so little to create his complex film director. Jacques Gamblin is seen as the police director experiencing a difficult moment. Jean-Pierre Darroussin is the most remote, as one never can put him together with his unknown daughter Sara until the end. The females in the cast also deliver good acting, notably, Caroline Cellier, Sara Martins and the wonderful Marie Gillain. The film's action is set between France and Portugal. Cinematographer Denis Quesemand takes us for a pleasant trip following the characters in the story. The incidental music score is credited to Denis Meriaux. Mr. Valente seems to be in the right track to give the public an entertaining as well as a good story that works in many levels.