31/08/2008

Claire Denis – a regular at the Venice Film Festival since Good Work and Friday Night – returns to the Lido. “My association with Venice has been very fortunate”, explained the French director, who four years after The Intruder [+see also:
trailer
film profile] (former Golden Lion contender), is presenting her latest work, 35 rhums [+see also:
trailer
film profile], out of competition.

The alcoholic drinks referred to in the title are those which are downed in one go on special occasions: so believes Lionel, who returns home from work everyday to his daughter Joséphine. The two characters look after each other and share their everyday life and routines. Denis (who co-wrote the screenplay with trusted collaborator Jean-Pol Fargeau) films these routine activities, and with the same subtle approach explores the feelings of the two neighbours – young Noé and taxi driver Gabrielle – who are excluded from the intimacy of that impenetrable family nucleus.

“It’s an intimate film, a love story”, continued the director, who also (as often in the past) projects the interior landscape of her characters onto the social surroundings of the film’s setting. This is also achieved through the inspired – and sensual – cinematography by Agnès Godard, the director’s usual collaborator.

Denis likes to work with the same people, including protagonist Alex Descas. “I wrote the film with him in mind, as well as the fathers in Ozu’s work: the archetype of the taciturn but dependable parent”.

Among the familiar faces of the cast (including Grégoire Colin, about whom Denis comments: “I met him when he was 14 years old, then he starred in Nenette and Boni, a film to which I’d like to make a sequel”), appears newcomer Mati Diop.

Produced by France’s Soudaine Compagnie and Arte France Cinema, in co-production with Germany’s Pandora Film Produktion (likely reason for the rather unsuccessful episode in Germany, whose only bonus is the appearance of Fassbinder’s muse, Ingrid Caven), 35 rhums was backed by WDR/Arte, Cofinova 4 and Soficinema 4. Further support was received from Canal+, TPS Star, the National Film Centre, Filmförderungsanstalt and Eurimages. International sales are being handled by Elle Driver.

(Translated from Italian)