When studying film and filmmaking, you learn the value of the shot. How different angles can mean different things, and there are those that say that no shot should be held for more than ten seconds. Clearly, that’s an arbitrary thing to say, but the point is that keeping the camera in one place for two long can bore the audience, or stop the story from moving forward.
If that’s what you believe, this is not the film for you. Paul’s affair is threatened when his wife meets his mistress. Paul’s’ mistress knows of his wife, but his wife does not know of his mistress. It is not an exciting film, but is so real. It is told slowly, very slowly, with long, unmoving shots. The camera dwells on the moment, staying on one character and watching them react to what is happening around them.
Perhaps it is because of my theatre background that I enjoyed this film as much as I did. I don’t feel the need for constant movement and action as long as there is something worth watching, and the emotion of this film is what is worth watching. The acting is marvelous and subtle and painful and real and the emotions are familiar and true.
