Title – Amour (2012)

Director – Michael Haneke (The White Ribbon)

Cast – Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert

Plot – Aging Parisian couple Georges (Trintignant) and Anne (Riva) are living out their lives in their quite apartment, passing their days with their love of reading and music. This quite life however is offset by the slow deterioration of … health leaving … to take care of his beloved wife. Amour examines the true meaning of love and what it means to different people.

“Things will go on, and then one day it will all be over”

Review by Eddie on 24/06/2013

Winner of the 2012 Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film festival Michael Haneke’s study of love is a true work of genius and a film that shows a surprising amount of love and compassion from a man not known for such things. It may not be an easy or enjoyable watch but Amour truly is a fantastic study of love in all its glory and in all its honest reality.

The film takes places almost entirely in Georges and Anne’s apartment. This strategy could of broke the film but the way in which Haneke leaves his camera to settle or follow the aging couple allows the audience a real feeling of investment in their life. The film takes place over an unknown amount of time more than likely months and the way in which Haneke transitions these scenes barely allows for a respite.

In his two performers Haneke has found some remarkable veterans at the top of their game. Riva may have received the majority of plaudits (an Oscar nomination included) but Trintignant is just as fantastic as her on screen companion. Whether or not in humour or in anger Trintignant displays an ability to be a real gentleman, the looks he gives with his eyes are enough to show the audience his feelings and thoughts. Riva as well though deserved all the recognition she got. Unafraid to bare her soul and body on screen Riva’s take on an unquestionably talented women is one of the finest ever portrayed on screen.

Amour is a film that should be seen not to be enjoyed but to be admired. Haneke rarely if ever has shown such restraint in trying not to shock an audience (although the opening and one other particular scene induce a cold chill), which allows the film to be more affecting for its realism. As a showcase in what a film can say about love and about the human condition, Haneke has created a real classic of the genre. It may not be entertainment perse but Amour is essential and unique viewing.

4 Parisian pigeons out of 5