[THE BIG PICTURE
screens Friday January 4th at 9:40 pm and Saturday January 5th at
7:25 pm at the Cleveland Cinematheque.]
Review
by Bob Ignizio
Paul (Romain Duris) gave up his passion
for photography in order to support his family as a lawyer. In doing
so, he has driven his wife Sarah (Marina Fois) into an affair with
Grégoire (Eric Ruf), another photographer whose trust fund and lack
of commitments has allowed him to continue his artistic pursuits.
When Sarah tells Paul she wants a divorce, he confronts Grégoire.
After a brief scuffle, Grégoire is dead and Paul sees a chance to
take back the life that should have been his by borrowing the dead
man's identity. Faking his death, Paul leaves the country and finds
his camera work is a ticket to success. Unfortunately, too much
success threatens to reveal his secret.
The plot contrivance that drives THE
BIG PICTURE is pure crime/suspense material, but this is really
more of a drama about a man learning the hard way that it's better to
be true to oneself than to compromise for traditional ideas of
success. The question is, has Paul learned his lesson in time to get
his life on the right path, or is he already doomed?
THE BIG PICTURE
is a solidly made, well acted film that just doesn't quite resonate.
Although Duris gives an excellent performance throughout, his
character isn't particularly likable to begin with, and it's arguable
whether one last minute good deed really serves to redeem him. Then
again, who in real life truly gets the chance to make up for all
their mistakes? Maybe we should all be so lucky as Paul to at least
tip the scales a little back in the right direction. 3 out of 4
stars.
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