........with their production and 1997 film release of American playwright, Martin Sherman's "Bent." What we have with this French work, then, is a 'been there--done that' sort of situation, where Sherman's 'play--then movie' beats Faure and his screenwriter to the punch. Though to be perfectly honest about it, there are important differences between the two productions. Instead of watching "Bent's" 'mind-numbing' Concentration Camp repetitive work details, we are seeing the results of 'mind-grabbing' (in the literal sense) Concentration Camp experimental labs in "A Love to Hide".
While "Hide" provides an excellent history lesson for younger gays (well, anybody for that matter) and is a worthwhile effort overall, this reviewer finds it not at the same level of 'memorable-ness' as this director's earlier (2000) film work (see my PS-- about that exciting production, below).
As to "Hide's" performances, a sweet-faced Louise Monot (playing the dual roles of Sarah/Yvonne) both begins and ends this film, and she practically steals it. But.......if you're a gay films review reader and, more relevantly, if you're a gay films review writer, then commenting on actor, Jeremie Renier, becomes absolutely essential right about now. Renier---WOW, here's a guy who simply 'oozes' an aura of someone you want to, and have to be with (boyfriend, lover, partner) as soon as you see him. He has a loving spirit and lives this part, never stinting in letting us see who he loves---and he loves very expressively. Much the same can be said of his lover, effectively played by Swiss-born Bruno Todeschini.
And here's one very hard life lesson pointed out by this film, no matter whether your character name is Jean (Renier) or Max (Clive Owen)---If you're French (or German, as the case may be) and going to a local, gay dance club, don't take a spin around the floor, or otherwise consort with, an officer of the military forces occupying your country. Something not so good may come your way.
(NOTE: If you don't speak/read French, very poorly placed DVD English subtitles are most distracting---frequently appearing over characters' mouths and faces and otherwise interfering with the action being watched. In many instances the flow of the story is badly affected by this situation.)
PS--Perhaps I'm not appreciative enough of this directorial work.......but I think I'll just stick to a warm, gay romance, such as the truly great "Just a Question of Love." What's that? Oh, you're saying that it, too, is a French love story, and that is was also brought to us by a little French guy named C. Faure. ---- (In this regard, you might want to read my long-winded, 10-Star review of this little gem, located elsewhere in this site's film reviews under the movie title, "Juste une question d'amour"---there you'll find my write-up filed under "Best" comments. My review is titled: "the French get it right in this film genre..........as usual").
****
While "Hide" provides an excellent history lesson for younger gays (well, anybody for that matter) and is a worthwhile effort overall, this reviewer finds it not at the same level of 'memorable-ness' as this director's earlier (2000) film work (see my PS-- about that exciting production, below).
As to "Hide's" performances, a sweet-faced Louise Monot (playing the dual roles of Sarah/Yvonne) both begins and ends this film, and she practically steals it. But.......if you're a gay films review reader and, more relevantly, if you're a gay films review writer, then commenting on actor, Jeremie Renier, becomes absolutely essential right about now. Renier---WOW, here's a guy who simply 'oozes' an aura of someone you want to, and have to be with (boyfriend, lover, partner) as soon as you see him. He has a loving spirit and lives this part, never stinting in letting us see who he loves---and he loves very expressively. Much the same can be said of his lover, effectively played by Swiss-born Bruno Todeschini.
And here's one very hard life lesson pointed out by this film, no matter whether your character name is Jean (Renier) or Max (Clive Owen)---If you're French (or German, as the case may be) and going to a local, gay dance club, don't take a spin around the floor, or otherwise consort with, an officer of the military forces occupying your country. Something not so good may come your way.
(NOTE: If you don't speak/read French, very poorly placed DVD English subtitles are most distracting---frequently appearing over characters' mouths and faces and otherwise interfering with the action being watched. In many instances the flow of the story is badly affected by this situation.)
PS--Perhaps I'm not appreciative enough of this directorial work.......but I think I'll just stick to a warm, gay romance, such as the truly great "Just a Question of Love." What's that? Oh, you're saying that it, too, is a French love story, and that is was also brought to us by a little French guy named C. Faure. ---- (In this regard, you might want to read my long-winded, 10-Star review of this little gem, located elsewhere in this site's film reviews under the movie title, "Juste une question d'amour"---there you'll find my write-up filed under "Best" comments. My review is titled: "the French get it right in this film genre..........as usual").
****