Not so much a drama of war, but about those who were caught up in it at home waiting for a loved one to be freed from a Nazi concentration camp during WWII. With so many of the French resistance under the scope of the Nazi government during the take over their country, many were killed or sent to the same prisons as with the Jews. In this heartfelt film, be prepared for most anything one woman can do to help free her husband or prepare herself for the worst. Memoir of War is an amazing eye-opener.
It’s 1944 France and the war in Europe is winding down in that country with the allies taking back most of the smaller cities. But still with their headquartered in Paris, the Nazis are continuing to ferret out resistance fighters, especially those who still have access to the press. One such man is Robert Antelme (Emmanuel Bourdieu), and when we join his wife Marguerite Duras (Mélanie Thierry) he has already been arrested and being interrogated at an undisclosed location.
Marguerite, a writer herself, has been approached by Gestapo French Agent Pierre Rabier (Benoît Magimel). In an attempt to get information from her at her most vulnerable, he tells her he can help get Robert out of the hands of the Nazis. However, French resistant fighter Dyonis Mascolo (Benjamin Biolay) warns her not to give up any of the plans they are making or naming any members of the group.
Torn between her love for Robert and the resistance, Marguerite tries a strategy of her own. Director and screen writer Emmanuel Finkiel delivers his story from the real Marguerite’s viewpoint as taken from a diary she kept during that period. He gives her information the stage and lets everything revolve around the beleaguered woman. The screenplay adds the Hollywood magic and it works to make the film compelling and involving. Her story mirrors the awful time when the Nazis were realizing defeat and to show their disdain for the allies were murdering all those who were under interrogation and in the concentration camps. Finkiel’s very heartbreaking interpretation of her memoirs sort of sums up what most women in her situation probably went through during the occupation.
The acting is brilliant with Mélanie Thierry dominating the screen with a contagious performance that will have you entranced throughout the two hour presentation. It’s her that makes the film’s ordeal look real and believable. She has to work Marguerite into a frenzy of doubt and despair, then hope and promise, before the curtain comes down on the very heartbreaking screenplay, and she nails the role.
BONUS EXTRAS
“On Image and Sound” Director Emmanuel Finkiel talks about how he set up and filmed the movie. Other crew give their comments as well.
“From Melanie to Marguerite” It goes into Melanie Thierry’s script readings and how she had to get under Marguetite’s skin to make her real.
“Costume and Camera Tests” working with make-up and costume crews. It also goes into certain lenses and filters.
“Deleted Scenes”
Memoir of War has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains some disturbing content, a scene of suggested sexuality, and brief language. The film is in the French language with English subtitles, but if the wording gets flashed to quickly, remember you can pause and rewind on both medium. The movie is being released on VOD and DVD on January 8, 2019.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A good film for those who are drawn to the disquieting content. (3.5 out of 5 Stars)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Mélanie Thierry, Benoît Magimel, Benjamin Biolay, Emmanuel Bourdieu
Director and writer: Emmanuel Finkiel
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Genre: Drama, War, Biography
Running Time: 2 hrs. 7 min.
Video Release Date: January 8, 2019
Original Theatrical Release Date: August 17, 2018
Language: French with English Subtitles
Reviewed Format: VOD
Distributed by: Music Box
Released in: VOD, DVD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
