As a character study or a study of Paris, Cedric Klapisch's "When the Cat's Away" works well. After some time to warm up, the film becomes an affecting tale of a lonely Parisian girl who is searching desperately for companionship. We follow young Chloe in her quest for her lost Love (Gris Gris the cat) and her first love, a a man in whom she can put her trust. Ironically like Gris Gris, the man who truly deserves her affections is right in front of her nose.
Delightful performances from the three main actors really give the show an edge. Garance Clavel's natural turn helps the audience relate to her, while Zinedine Soualem is touching as the simple Djamel. Adding humour is the lovable Madame Renee, a widow whose love of cats is the beginning of Cloe's trouble. Madame Renee heads up an amazing sub-culture of lonely old women.
You have to give credit to Klapisch's basic screenplay and simple direction, as well as Benoit Delhomme's revealing cinematography.
Monday, November 30, 1998 - Hoyts Croydon
Delightful performances from the three main actors really give the show an edge. Garance Clavel's natural turn helps the audience relate to her, while Zinedine Soualem is touching as the simple Djamel. Adding humour is the lovable Madame Renee, a widow whose love of cats is the beginning of Cloe's trouble. Madame Renee heads up an amazing sub-culture of lonely old women.
You have to give credit to Klapisch's basic screenplay and simple direction, as well as Benoit Delhomme's revealing cinematography.
Monday, November 30, 1998 - Hoyts Croydon