Le pacte du silence (The Pact of Silence) [2003]

“Le Pacte du Silence” is a good film. There are very good performances from the cast (I thought that Gérard Depardieu was in fine form as was Élodie Bouchez), good directing, there is good cinematography (there are some superb shots at times), a good soundtrack, and a good (if not great) story, if fact good in just about every aspect of the film apart from the delivery of the story…As what really lets this film down for me is the narrative, which although is good at maintaining the suspense, one is left wondering what (exactly) is going on. Much emphasis is given to telling the story in an unhelpful way so that it is very late on in the film when you know (exactly) what is going on. “Le Pacte du Silence” felt, by the time it ended that I’d been let down somewhat as once the suspense had gone it left me with a bit of a groan of “Oh so that was it then…”Some of the supporting cast were a real treat for me to find in this film – three in particular: Carmen Maura (Volver, Pepi, Luci, Bom y otras chicas del montón), Anne Le Ny (Untouchable), and Tsilla Chelton (Tatie Danielle).“Le Pacte du Silence” is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Martine Delomme. I haven’t read the novel but I would well imagine it is story that works much better as a novel than it does adapted in this particular film.I enjoyed it, but it’s not a film that I will probably watch again. Basically I’d say that it is worth a watch, but don’t expect too much from it.One thing that surprised me about the DVD was the number of different language and subtitle options that are available (most of which I have given below!)On the DVD you get:“Le Pacte du Silence” (1 hour 25 minutes)Scene SelectionTrailersAudio Set Up:French (Original)Italian (Dubbed)Spanish (Dubbed)Russian (Dubbed)Commentary by director Graham Guit and actress Élodie Bouchez (optional)Subtitles: (Optional)EnglishEnglish CaptionsEnglish Subtitled CommentarySpanishSpanish Subtitled CommentaryItalianItalian Subtitled CommentaryDutch/NederlandsDutch Subtitled CommentaryRussianFinnish/SuomiHebrew/IvritPortugueseArabicCzechDanishHinduHungarianIcelandicNorwegianPolishSwedishTurkishBulgarianCroatianSlovene

The DVD arrived today. Whilst at lunch (A French Lunch)I viewed the film. Excellent. Acting is good. Storyline excellent. Gerard Depardieu plays an intersting part, and Elodie Bouchez is forcused on her part(s) - I wouldn't say the ending is foreseeable (in part) it does leave you wondering! but the whole film is a must and typical of French films (No American lets not offend crap here) - Watch and enjoy. I think the main theme of this film is that it does actually make you wonder at who is who and what happens between twins!

The story line is not the strongest (moderately interesting take on the "divergent yet parallel twin" theme) but that's not the main reason for one star. I simply object to these ridiculous films which repeatedly showcase implausibly old men having relationships with desirable young women. It's a feeble romantic cul de sac which demonstrates extraordinary paucity on the part of the film maker in terms of originality of thought. Lazy film making involving an otherwise excellent actor who should really know better.

Everything excellent

Excellent film.