VENEZIA.66

i'm glad that my mother is alive

di Claude e Nathan Miller

Francia 2009, 90'

Giornate degli Autori

29/30

There’s something special about this movie. I can’t really tell if it’s related to the fact that it’s based on a true story, or maybe to the tension between mother and son which is so heavy (the Millers managed to fill the movie with it completely) or maybe it’s just Vincent Rottiers who plays Thomas the way that makes us shiver inside while watching it? It’s really hard to pick only one reason though. Anyway, somehow you just can’t take your eyes off the Millers’ movie. You can feel there’s something in the air even though you don’t really know what to expect: a burst of love, of tears, or maybe a scene of sex or even rape, a murder?
 

Once again: the tension. Claude and Nathan Miller manage to fill their film with it from the very beginning, as if they wanted us to stay on alert. You might ask: what’s so intense, so alarming in a relation between a son and his mother? Even if she left him for adoption- it’s common practice today and there’s nothing shocking or inappropriate about it, right? Furthermore, there’ve been many stories like this, stories of children who grew up in foster families but still needed to find their biological parents. Well, despite all this I’m glad that my mother is alive is indeed an extraordinary movie and differs significantly from the ones you have watched before. Personally, I’ve never seen such a particular relation between a parent and a son in any movie. Maybe The Piano Teacher, but of course there’s the difference of sexes and the protagonist suffers from some specific perturbations. In the Millers’ film there is Thomas and it’s unclear whether he loves, hates or desires his mother. However, whatever it is that he feels for her, it is overwhelming and violent and simply can’t be controlled. On the other hand, her attitude isn’t obvious either. Although she knew very well that he was her flash and blood, she treated him in a rather particular way- maybe like a friend, maybe like a potential lover. There are two related scenes that I was truly astonished by and that I’d call masterpieces. I won’t reveal the details but just give you some hints: dance and cinema- keep your eye on it. So, this particular relationship is what truly intrigues me in this movie and also what makes it so outstanding.
 

The other thing is the mother figure. She definitely has nothing to do with the common stereotype of a mother. Instead, she fights for her independence and freedom of choice. She doesn’t seem to regret her decision of leaving her children, in fact, she doesn’t seem to regret anything. She lives her life without looking back. That’s why most of her son’s questions will be left with no response. And this is what always provokes frustration and what is no different this time.

The third thing is the actors’ performance. I believe Vincent Rottiers is gonna be huge and not only in France. At the Venice Film Festival I saw him also in Lea Fehner’s movie Silent Voices where he only proved his great talent. Sophie Cattani who plays Julie, Thomas’ mother, doesn’t’ disappoint as well. She’s deeply convincing in her role and manages to present a mix of various feelings.

And last but not least: the music. I’ve seen many movies in which, however good the screenplay was, music spoiled everything. That’s why I always try to focus on the sounds that either correspond or not with what happens on the screen or, more often, in the characters minds. This time the music slightly intensifies the mood and also manages to change its tone when necessary. It’s never imposed on the viewer and never disturbs. It’s just perfect. I would really love to say the same about the movie. But I must admit I was a bit disappointed with how it ended. Still, I think it was one of the most interesting and touching films I watched at the festival.
 

12:09:2009

66.ma mostra
le recensioni

Venezia, 02/12 settembre 2009