35 Shots of Rum
Director: Claire Denis
Cert: 12a (French with subtitles)
Time: 1hr 41mins
This film is so understated that it could be described as an urban Sleep Furiously. The narrative, what there is of it, follows Lionel a train driver and widower who lives in a Parisian apartment block with his only daughter Josephine. They live side by side, almost to the point of living in each other’s pockets in a protective cocoon from the outside world. For Lionel everything in his life revolves around his daughter and for Josephine her world is him. But, little by little, Lionel starts to recognize that the time has come for them to move on and find their own independence.
Nothing very dramatic happens and there were occasions when the lack of activity was a little too soporific. That said the way in which director Claire Denis allows little snippets of information to be drip fed to us is masterly and it ensures that we remain in thrall to the end. It may not suit the Transformers generation but if you approach it with an open mind you will find it both warm and engaging.
Patrons: 16
