We saw Amour, a French film, on DVD. It is
a tender and devastating film. An octogenarian couple played by Jean-Louis Trintignant as Georges Laurent and Emmanuelle Riva as
Anne Laurent, who are former music teachers living in Paris. This movie
portends the good and bad awaiting us.
The
performance of Emmanuelle Riva is amazing. After suffering a stroke she
transforms herself from a vibrant woman to a bedridden invalid. Great acting is
in the details. With a crooked hand and lop sided mouth she captures the
nuances of a stroke victim. She makes these limitations into assets. Her pain
is audible even if she cannot speak. Her physical deterioration does not
diminish her will to the consternation of her husband.
As
the care giver her husband keeps his promise not to return her to the hospital.
His tender care becomes more challenging with her deteriorating condition. His
burden depletes his health and mind. He shuffles in his rambling apartment
visited by a stray pigeon and an absent daughter. Both the pigeon and daughter
leave. Even with these tribulations their marriage is enviable.
Georges
commits an act of desperation. This deed has to be viewed through the prism of
love before judgment can be made. Whatever we think we will do in the future depends
on circumstances beyond our control. Let’s hope at that time we will be holding
hands with our loved ones.
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