The Page Turner (2006/DTS/Tartan/French)
Picture:
C+ Sound: B- Extras: C+ Film: B-
Denis
Dercourt’s The Page Turner (2006) is
an ambitious tale of revenge that tries not to be exploitive, but also not too
predictable as young Melanie (Déborah Francois) holds a grudge against a piano
teacher (Catherine Frot) for ten years as the title character, though the title
is supposed to have profound multiple meanings.
I was not impressed with any such attempts, but thought the film was not
bad.
The pacing
could have been outright boring, but since it is just naturalistic enough to be
believed, the film does not wear thin on that level. This still made it more of a drama than
psychological thriller, but a good film just the same. Acting is a plus, the atmosphere and love of
Classical Music is credible (though some of the choices were another issue) and
the climax is not stupid like most such films of late. Of course, another meaning for the title is
that this is so good to watch, it is like a book you cannot put down.
It is not
that good, but some scenes can be that interesting, so give it a look if you
are interested.
The
anamorphically enhanced 1.85 X 1 image is shot well by Director of Photography
Jerome Peyrebrune, but I wondered if the pastel-like slight fade to the color
was really his intent or a problem with this transfer. It is still visually nice and editing is not
bad either. The Dolby Digital French 5.1
mix and better DTS French 5.1 mix both show limits in the original recording of
dialogue and the soundfield is not great, but serviceable with the music
sometimes overriding the rest of the sound.
The original theatrical trailer and a making of featurette are the only
extras.
- Nicholas Sheffo
