La Separation Details

Although a masterclass in actorly restraint, this examination of a disintegrating relationship is too studied and civilised for its own good. The agonisingly slow deterioration of Isabelle Huppert and Daniel Auteuil's relationship makes for painful viewing, but would have been much more effective with a more balanced presentation of emotions and events. By siding with Auteuil's character, director Christian Vincent makes Huppert's Anne seem unnecessarily callous and fails to prevent Auteuil from becoming increasingly pathetic. The political subtext, on how radicals conform with time, is much more engaging than the disappointingly detached melodrama. Impressive, but too impassive.