Sequins
Picture: C+
Sound: C+ Extras: C Film: B-
Childbirth is always a controversial thing when not
accompanied by the usual “happy family” situation, even when you exclude the
issue of abortion. Eléonore Faucher’s Sequins
(2004) is about a young lady (Lola Naymark) discovers that she is pregnant at
17. Instead of abortion or finding a
new man or even adoption, she decides to go somewhere where few would know her
and have the baby. Fortunately for her,
an older woman named Melikian (Ariane Ascaride) intervenes and decides to help
her.
Of course, she can see herself in the situation and has
some private, unfinished business of her own.
Instead of just a melodrama or soap opera or Classical Hollywood
“woman’s film” you would usually get, Faucher’s film decides to be an
often-subtle look at womanhood and the fragility of life of all kinds. The title refers to her work in the clothing
industry and how she survives incognito, but that exceeds monetary gain and
even offers some beautiful moments.
There are times the film gets sidetracked, but it works more often than
not and if you are interested, you will want to catch it.
The anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image was shot by
cinematographer Pierre Cottereau, with a real grasp of detail. The transfer is somewhat soft, but the color
saves it just enough. The Dolby Digital
2.0 Stereo has no Pro Logic surrounds, though this was a DTS Stereo analog
theatrical release, which means it had surrounds at some point. Extras include a Faucher interview inside
the booklet found inside the DVD case, while the DVD has some deleted scenes of
interest and script excerpts read by actress Ariane Ascaride. Overall, a debut film from a promising new
filmmaker.
- Nicholas Sheffo
