L' enfant DVD: Review By kaismith

Sep 10th, 2006 by kaismith
L'Enfant is very original film that looks at a couple's relationship through different cinematic approach.
  • OVERALL
    3.0
    WORTHY
  • Feature
  • Extras
  • Replay Value
THE GOOD
L'Enfant is very original film that looks at a couple's relationship through different cinematic approach.
THE BAD
For those that aren't the biggest fan of subtitles this has them, but honestly don't let the steer you away. Learn to multitask.

More supplemental features would have been nice but let's put this into perspective this is a foreign independent flick. That should explain the lack there of.
THE FEATURE
Bruno (J&#233r&#233mie Renier) and Sonia (D&#233borah Fran&#231ois) are a young couple in southern Belgium. Bruno isn't the greatest guy but supports Sonia and their newborn child with his petty thefts. Bruno hit rock bottom when he gets greedy and sells his new born child. In an effort to earn Sonia's affection back Bruno does everything in his power to retrieve the child and learns about himself in the process.

L'Enfant is from award winning Belgium filmmaker Jean-Pierre Dardenne. I always like to watch foreign films because the lens is so different. The camera work is very matter of fact. The dialogue is very natural when there is some. Other than that the film is pretty quiet. The main character comes off very cold in the beginning as the story unfolds your thoughts change as he makes different decision.
THE EXTRAS
Interview with Director
THE VIDEO
Anamorphic widescreen - 1.66:1. There is not fancy camera work like in big Hollywood flick, nor special effects. The film is clear and colors seem very muted or dark. In fact when there is color you really notice it giving it more weight in each scene which can be interpreted symbolically in many instances.
THE AUDIO
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround in a French track with English and French subtitle options. You don't even notice that throughout the entire film there is not a shred of music, not even in the final credits. The lack there of is very baring and forces you to swallow every bitter moment.
THE PACKAGE
Bruno and Sonia smiling, foreheads touching appear to be the poster children for love. On the back a scene still further solidifies this with could be interpreted as a "family portrait." Several other scene still are featured along with a plot summary, and special features list (although one item doesn't really qualify as a list...or does it?).
THE FINAL WORD
While the cover leads you to believe this is a romantic drama, it is a bit deceiving. This isn't quite your typical story about glazed over Hollywood love. This film is gritty. The majority of it is focused on Bruno's character and his plight.

If you are looking for a film that remind you of the wonderful highs of love, pass on this flick but if you are interested in some young kids in love that make some mistakes and try to remedy them despite the consequences...then certainly pick this film up.

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