Les Amoureuses

 ((CANADIAN))

By DENNIS HARVEY

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An Alliance release of a Les Productions du Cerf production in association with the National Film Board of Canada. Produced by Louise Gendron. Directed, written by Johanne Pregent.
 
Lea ... Louise Portal
David ... Kenneth Walsh
Marianne ... Lea Marie Cantin
Nino ... Tony Nardi
 

This absorbing French-Canadian drama tracks two couples as they grapple with issues of commitment and desire on the brink of middle age. Sans notable marquee names or stylistic panache, insightful but modest effort looks toward Euro TV for best prospects outside home turf.

Theater costume designer Lea (Louise Portal) is shaken at outset by walkout of novelist b.f. David (Kenneth Walsh), who breaks off their 10-year relationship in the wake of an affair with one of his university protegees. While David soon returns, the episode plagues Lea with lingering doubts. Best friend Marianne (Lea Marie Cantin), an acupuncturist/masseuse, has resigned herself to single status when charming Italian emigre Nino (Tony Nardi) walks into her office. At first his ardor seems a pure come-on. The slow-dawning sincerity of this suit proves challenging for reluctant Marianne.

Pic lacks the authorial insight or filmic style that would transcend basic soap format. Still, story's progress rarely feels untrue, and issues concerning passion in long-term hetero relationships, seldom seriously explored in cinema, are handled with intelligence and sympathy toward all protagonists. Secondary couple tends to be more entertaining, allowing greater room for humor and passion.

All perfs are sensitive. As the least emotionally blocked character (Nino says that others "think too much" to be happy), the ingratiating Nardi gets to steal numerous scenes.

Johanne Pregent earns more praise for her low-key, deft scenario than her direction, which manages actors with care but demonstrates little interest in overall look or cumulative pacing. Still, the sum is restrained, involving adult drama. Tech aspects are pro if routine.

Camera (color), Francois Protat; editor, Dominique Fortin; music, Pierre Desrochers; art direction/costume design, Louise Jobin; set design, Pierre Perrault; sound recordist, Richard Besse; sound design, Marie-Claude Gagne; associate producer, Doris Girard; line producers, Madeleine Henrie, Leon G. Arcand; assistant director, Louis-Philippe Rochon; casting, Lucie Robitaille. Reviewed at Mill Valley Film Festival, Calif., Oct. 16, 1994. Running time: 99 MIN.