Summary
THE STORY OF ANNE FONTAINE'S FILM, Nathalie, is simple enough. Catherine, a middle-aged married woman (played by Fanny Ardant), discovers that her husband, Bernard (Gerard Depardieu), has been cheating on her. She hires a prostitute, Marlene (Emmanuelle Beart), to seduce him and report back on his sexual preferences. The prostitute invents a character for herself - Nathalie - whose tales grow ever more florid, to the point where it is almost as if the two women are having the affair.
It seems salacious, but it is cerebral. Sex is described, not seen. The film explores the power shifts within relationships and the possibility that men and women have different expectations of love.See the full content of this document
Extract
Amour Actually
It seems a peculiarly French exploration of love. It is difficult to imagine a British film-maker exploring these themes without hiding behind the skirts of comedy. Casting would be a problem. Beart, the beautiful star of Manon Des Sources, brings a wholesome insouciance to the prostitute, while the regal Ardant retains a glorious sensuality at 55.
But are our attitudes to love and infidelity re...See the full content of this document
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