Film: L'heure d'été (2009)

(Jeannick Gravelines/IFC Films)

"The divergent paths of three forty-something siblings collide when their mother, heiress to her uncle’s exceptional 19th century art collection, dies suddenly. Left to come to terms with themselves and their differences, Adrienne (Juliette Binoche), a successful New York designer, Frédéric, (Charles Berling) an economist and university professor in Paris, and Jérémie, (Jérémie Renier) a dynamic businessman in China, confront the end of childhood, their shared memories, background and unique vision of the future." (Film.com)

This movie felt sadly superficial; everything was basked in that late-summer August sunshine, where French feasts and wine flowed at a gorgeous chateau outside of Paris. There was such an emphasis on the precious objects left behind by the matriarch Hélène Berthier, (Edith Scob, who was superb in her fleeting role) all to be donated to the Musée d’Orsay, that I felt it was more of a crafty commercial for the museum! Berthier's death is only hinted at, and grief that naturally ensues from death is given a fleeting scene where Adrienne breaks down, but life continues affably through the objects. I suppose that was the modest purpose of this film: to give objects, whether they be rare and extraordinary pieces of art or ordinary tchochke, a much greater meaning with death. Slightly anti-climactic though!