From: blake7@herahera.cc.bellcore.com (berardinelli,james)
Subject: Review:  TOUS LES MATINS DU MONDE (Minor SPOILERS)
Organization: Bellcore, Livingston, NJ
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 93 15:42:11 GMT
Summary: French composers

TU LES MATINS DU MONDE (All the Mornings of the World)

     Running Length:  1:54
     Rated:  No MPAA Rating (Nudity, sexual situations, mature themes)

     Starring:  Gerard Depardieu, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Anne Brochet, 
          Caroline Sihol, Guillaume Depardieu
     Director:  Alain Corneau
     Producers:  Jean-Louis Livi
     Screenplay:  Pascal Quignard
     Music:  Jordi Savall
     Released by October Films
     French with English subtitles

TU LES MATINS DU MONDE presents a fictionalized account of the 
lives of the 17th century French musician-composer Sainte Colombe 
and his brilliant, flamboyant student, Marin Marais.  The story begins 
with the death of Sainte Colombe's beloved wife and progresses onward 
as he tries to be the best father he can to his two daughters.  After the 
passage of about twelve years, the seventeen year old Marin Marais 
arrives, seeking to become Sainte Colombe's pupil.  Both of Sainte 
Colombe's daughters are attracted to Marais, but it is the eldest daughter, 
Madeleine, with whom he has an affair - an affair that is destined to 
shape all that comes after.

Were TU LES MATINS DU MONDE a British production, it might 
appear on MASTERPIECE THEATER as a two-part drama.  The film 
moves at a leisurely pace, refusing to let modern conventions drive it 
faster than it's prepared to go.  Those who are unwilling to simply sit 
back and enjoy the story as it gradually unfolds would find their 
time better spent somewhere else.  TU LES MATINS DU MONDE demands - 
and rewards - patience from its audience.

This is a movie of few words.  Take away the framing narrative of Marin 
Marais as he looks back on his life, and there's little dialogue in the film.  
As a result, TU LES MATINS DU MONDE demands distinctive perfor-
mances from its participants when they don't speak.  Eyes, lips, hands, 
and body language are vitally important to the success of the film.  
Fortunately, the assembled cast, with the possible exception of the 
younger Depardieu, are up to the challenge.

As for Guillaume, he's not the actor that his father is.  At best, his 
performance is wooden, and it stands out uncomfortably in compari-
son to the stunning portrayal given by Anne Brochet (Madeleine).  
Guillaume lacks range, and, as result, the film takes a dramatic turn 
for the better when father takes over for son in the role of an aging Marin 
Marais.

Where dialogue is lacking however, a resonant musical score takes over.  
Arranged by Jordi Savall, the soundtrack is evocative and moody, 
and, as might be expected, includes several compositions by Sainte Colombe 
and Marin Marais.

What might at first seem like a deceptively simple story is actually a tale 
of ego, passion, and the clash between the desire for fame and the 
pursuit of true art.  Young and ambitious, Marin Marais wants to play 
at court for the king.  Sainte Colombe, who has already rejected that honor, 
claims that the call of the musician supersedes all.  The two clash over 
this issue, as well as over the affair between Madeleine and Marais.

TU LES MATINS DU MONDE is an emotional story whose potency 
grows with every passing moment.  The unhurried pace of the film 
allows for greater character development than can be found in many 
domestic movies, and this enforces the impact of the conclusion.

Costume and set design are both impressive, well deserving of the honors 
already heaped upon them.  We don't for one moment doubt that this story 
is taking place in the latter part of the 1600s.  If there are anachronisms, 
I couldn't find them.

Despite its meandering pace, TU LES MATINS DU MONDE is a well 
worth a look for anyone who doesn't demand a large dose of action in a 
film to keep them riveted.  This is the kind of pure drama, energized by 
character interplay, that Hollywood almost never produces.

                      Rating:  8.3 (B+, ***)


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