Summary
Jeannette is a single mother bringing up her children on a meagre salary in the Estaque
region of Marseilles. When she attempts to steal some paint from an abandoned cement works
she is apprehended by the warden, Marius. Later, Marius makes Jeannette a present
of the paint and helps to repaint her tiny ramshackled house. They are in love but
they are both tormented by past troubles. After all they have been through, can
they have found happiness at last?
Review
This delicate romance is a refreshing contrast to the traditional romantic film, particularly
of the American variety. The protagonists, Marius and Jeannette are middle-aged,
impoverished, not particularly attractive, and haunted by past upsets in their lives.
Yet the film paints a poignant and compelling picture of romance which, arguably, is all
the more effective because of its setting in the lowest social milieu.
The film reflects Robert Guédiguian’s working class sympathies very well. He paints
a stark, vivid picture of a community on the fringe of society, struggling to make a living
and even trying to have a good time whilst doing so. Despite the setting, the film
is surprisingly upbeat and offers a positive view of life, showing that happiness is not
the prerogative of the wealthy minority.
© James Travers 2000
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