The shocking
hidden truth
Un
Secret is another wartime drama on the periphery of the Holocaust
directed by Claude Miller, veteran French director who made the
excellent Under Suspicion back in 1981. He’s adapted
his new film from Philippe Grimbert’s autobiographical novel.
Here we again tread the path of a Jewish family torn apart by
the Nazis. What lifts this film above average is its fine cast
and exemplary acting, plus excellent production values which recreate
the 1940's and 50's exceptionally well.
In a monochromatic sequence set in 1985, François
Grimbert (Mathieu Amalric) is distraught after he learns his elderly
father has gone missing. Flash back to the 1950's where he is
living with his parents Tania (Cécile de France) and Maxime
(Patrick Bruel), an upwardly social Jewish couple living comfortably
in Paris. Young François (now played by Quentin Dubuis)
disappoints his athletic father and former swimming champion mother
as he’s frail and pretty useless at sport. Francis has been
baptised Catholic and his parents altered their name after devastating
wartime experiences.
The desperately lonely child invents a phantom brother,
a champion who can do all sorts of feats on the rope and highbar
well beyond the prowess of the frail lad. François imagines
in idyllic daydreams how his attractive parents may have met in
pre-war Paris.
However in the background is a dark family secret
dating back to the war years. One day François’ friend
Louise (Julie Depardieu) decides to tell the boy the truth of
the matter and the sad events that took place under the occupation
in France. These have a vital connection with Francois and explain
much about his identity crisis. He learns of the tragedy of his
father’s first wife (Ludivine Sagnier) and her son (Orlando
Nicholetti). Thus the unfortunate family saga unfolds.
An
excellent cast headed by three fine French actresses Cécile
de France (Orchestra Seats), Julie Depardieu (The
Witnesses), and Ludivine Sagnier (Moliere). They
bring their characters to life with consummate ease. Mathieu Amalric
as the older François, remembered for his performance in
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is less used here. However young
new comer Quentin Dubuis is outstanding as the sickly young Francois,
a difficult role, especially in the scenes with his phantom brother.
As indeed all the players give credence to the story. Interestingly
most of the Nazis are not seen via actors but from integrated
archival footage;, which is often harrowing.
Mention should be made about Gerard de Battista’s
superb cinematography. The images contain a sensual smooth fluid
quality with closeups such as skin, water and even distortions
through window glass used to great effect. Then there is the astute
editing of Veronique Lange. For example the sharp cuts between
the boys fighting in their classroom and the newsreel footage
of concentration camp horrors. The sudden jump from lovemaking
to childbirth. Clever juxtaposition makes the required impression.
Director Claude Miller (La Petite Lili) seems the driving
force behind all this, there’s a confidence and poetic skill
at work that comes from long experience.
Yet perhaps it's not a film for everyone. The non-linear
structure, common enough in a number of movies, is a little confusing
at first and you need to be patient until you pick up the threads.
Cleverly, the editing skirts around the actual secret until it
can be revealed with maximum impact.
Perhaps more concerning to some could be the elegiac
(not to be read as soporific) pacing of the story. A powerful
drama yet idyllic and poetic, Un Secret tends to meander
along in its own time, which may not appeal to those into slick
Hollywood thrillers. It’s a movie for the more discerning.
John Bale
