Product: La Pianiste (Original French Version)
Rating: 2.0
A Sensitive Reviewer
It has been about two weeks since I viewed this film. I still think of it often and find myself genuinely disturbed by it. I don't agree at all with the reviewers who found the movie pretentious or boring. It is absolutely riveting and dark, but you have to wonder what you are viewing, what is being said about women (even if the novel the film is based on was written by a woman), and why such a subject has to be told in such a graphic way. It seems that if something absolutely repulsive is created in an artistic way people are eager to praise it or risk being labeled anti-intellectual. I saw the rated R version and had to turn away and even fast forward the scene involving the violent confrontation. Anyone who can view what looks like rape to me and call out "brilliant!" or "artistic masterpiece!" is too twisted for my taste. This is not a film for a seeker of beauty or anyone with a sensitive heart. Even if you love drama and tragedy, as I do, this work is in a category all its own. I read a review that likened this film to a car accident: you know you shouldn't look at what could be a gruesome mess, but you look anyway. Try not to look. You might regret it and feel a cloud over your spirit for quite awhile.