Maelstrom. A Hollywood Jesus Movie Review

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MAELSTRÖM Maelström is an existential cause-and-effect story that wonderfully shows the redemptive power of baptism, and the joy of re-birth. Review by Simon Remark
MAELSTRÖM (2000) This page was created on July 19, 2001 This page was last updated on May 23, 2005
Directed by Denis Villeneuve Writing credits Denis Villeneuve Marie-Jos?e Croze .... Bibiane Champagne Jean-Nicholas Verrault .... Evian Stephanie Morgenstern .... Claire Gunderson Pierre Lebeau .... The Fish (voice) Marc G?linas .... Stranger in Subway Klimbo .... Head-Annstein Karlsen Bobby Beshro .... Philippe Champagne Virginie Dubois .... Sara Marie-France Lambert .... Marie-Jeanne Sirois Sylvie Moreau .... Photographer Clermont Jolicoeur .... Jean Produced by Roger Frappier (producer), Luc Vandal (producer) Original music by Pierre Desrochers Cinematography by Andr? Turpin Film Editing by Richard Comeau
Review by SIMON REMARK simon_remark@hotmail.com Film Reviewer Simon graduated from Trinity Western University where he studied film under prolific screenwriter Ned Vankevich. He prefers independent and lower-budget films.
Maelström is a surreal tale narrated by a dying fish that uses its last breath to pass on a "pretty" story. The fish tells us that Bibiane (Marie-Josée Croze), the film's protagonist, is about to journey into reality. This, however, is somewhat paradoxical given the bizarre nature of the film, but here the word reality may be synonymous with responsibility, something Bibi is constantly trying to avoid. The fish's use of the word "pretty" may also seem like a paradox because of the disturbing nature of the film. The disconcerting aspects, however, are contrasted by beautiful cinematography, colors and visuals.
Bibi is a young, successful boutique owner whose life is falling apart: a recent abortion, problems at work, and family tension are causing tremendous inner turmoil. Wanting to feel something other than frustration and remorse, Bibi goes out to a nightclub and gets drunk and stoned. But on her way home she hits an old fishmonger who later dies at his kitchen table. She seems unsure of exactly what has happened (or perhaps she is simply trying to block it out, hoping it will just go away) until the next day when she sees an article in the paper detailing the old man's death, thus intensifying her existing feelings of guilt.
During numerous scenes she is shown vigorously attempting to wash away her regret in the shower, where the narrator explains she loses touch with time but paradoxically becomes more aware of her body. This is a very Jungian concept. Prominent psychoanalyst, Carl Jung, talked about water as a symbol of exploring one's depths, and in these scenes Bibiane becomes more aware of herself. These scenes also highlight one of the film's most vital themes: baptism.
Bibi's burden eventually becomes so unbearable that she attempts to push her car off a ledge into the river. But she has trouble getting it over the edge, so she simply gets into the car and drives it into the water. We realize that her half-hearted suicide attempt is unsuccessful when the narrator assures us that Bibiane will be given a second chance at life. This, perhaps, is a metaphor for the death and re-birth that accompanies baptism.
Writer/director Denis Villeneuve describes Bibi as someone who "doesn't have a solid grip on reality? Bibi is always instinctively trying to avert responsibility, to avoid truth. It's just that I thought this was the perfect character to go through this hit and run ... to have to deal with it and then to evolve through that and to become more and more human. To find redemption at the end." Maelström is an existential cause-and-effect story that wonderfully shows the redemptive power of baptism, and the joy of re-birth.

OFFICIAL SITE Maelstrom. ? 2001 Alliance Vivafilm . All Rights Reserved.

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