3.5 Stars

How I Killed My Father (comment J'ai Tue Mon Pere)

by Barbara Goslawski

posted August 1, 2008 10:00 AM

   In "Comment j'ai tué mon père," Anne Fontaine indulges her signature style, creating a carefully measured film--the kind whose impact slowly sneaks up on its audience and haunts them long after leaving the theatre. Fontaine is a master of subtlety and nuance, building her desired effects through the most subtle of cinematic elements--namely performance, gesture and tone.

   Jean-Luc is a successful doctor whose carefully controlled life begins to unravel with the reappearance of his long-absent father, a doctor himself, who abruptly and inexplicably left for Africa years before. The son clearly resents his father's return but remains the model of courtesy and restraint--much like his own father. The subtle tension between these two similarly icy but unnervingly polite characters builds to its necessary and ultimately heartbreaking climax, made all the more effective by the understated yet intricate performances of the two lead actors. Starring Michel Bouquet and Charles Berling. Directed by Anne Fontaine. Written by Anne Fontaine and Jacques Fieschi. Produced by Phillipe Carcassone. A New Yorker release. Drama. Not yet rated. Running time: 98 min

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