Noce Blanche [DVD] [1991]

 

 

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Noce Blanche is the story of a relationship between a teacher and one of his students. I first watched this about five years ago, and it is still one of my favourite films. I suspect, like most men, I bought this more due to the appeal of seeing a (then 18 years old) Vanessa Paradis flaunting around in her birthday suit than with a view to any greater understanding of foreign cinema. Ahem. Well, I'm pleased to say that the film doesn't disappoint in this respect. The nudity is fairly subtle, though, and of an artistic, realistic, form; if you're expecting a fantasy film you may be a little disappointed. The love scenes, also, are virtually none existent, but don't let this spoil your enjoyment: this is a top quality film and well worth buying.

I was surprised to discover a mature and realistic drama. This is well written, and perfectly captures both the teenage and middle aged vulnerabilities and torments that ravage us all. All that pining: Oh to be mature and sophisticated; oh to be young again. This is excellent; sweet at times, sour at others, never anything less than realistic and unforgiving. The acting is exemplary (Paradis won a César award). The characters are well developed, confidently acted and mature (it has to be said, once again: it seems foreign cinema is the place to rediscover what it is like to be an adult -- watch and compare this to some of the OTT childish dross masquerading as adult drama on TV nowadays). The cinematography and locations are also beautifully filmed, and the story is paced well, drawing you into the plot and leaving you... Well, I won't give the game away but the ending is powerful and sadly believable.

All in all, I can't recommend this enough. This is a film that will both stay with you, and find a place amongst your favourite DVD's. If it opens the door to a more mature and sophisticated taste in entertainment, also, it can't be too bad, can it?

Better known these days as the partner of American actor Johnny Depp, the incredibly beautiful French actress/singer/model Vanessa Paradis had a successful career of her own in the late 1980s/early 1990s.
Skyrocketing to fame with her debut album "M&J" in 1987 at the age of 14, I was transfixed by her beauty and smoldering demeanor as she performed her first hit single "Joe Le Taxi" on the (now-defunct) British pop show "The Roxy" (think American Bandstand, but with a 1980s cool). I asked a French pen-pal of mine to collect all articles she could find on Paradis and she obliged and it was from one of these French clippings that I learned .that Paradis had been signed to appear in the movie "Noce Blanche" (a.k.a. White Wedding).
I hoped and hoped that the movie would be released in my native United Kingdom and never saw it advertised or arrive at any of my local theaters. Perhaps I had misunderstood the French clipping, perhaps the movie had not been completed? It was a couple of years later that I learned that not only had Paradis completed the movie, but she had a very lucrative career overseas as an actress. Appearing in such movies as "Une Chance Sur Deaux" (a.k.a. Half a Chance), "Elisa" and "Un amour de sorcière" all the while continuing her music career with the awesome album "Bliss."
In recent years I have managed to track down DVDs of her live concert performance "Au Zenith" as well as DVDs of the excellent thriller "Une Chance Sur Deaux" and enjoyable "Un amour de sorcière." Yet, "Noce Blanche" has so far evaded me. Until now.
Of course the DVD has been available in France for sometime, but only with its original French track, and no subtitles. Now, my French is fine, but I wanted to be able to watch this movie with my American (non-French-speaking) friends without having to provide a running translation, so I was very pleased to see a version with subtitles listed on Amazon UK.
So, armed with a region-free DVD player I ordered my copy and was not disappointed. Released in 1989 Paradis plays a parent-less, troubled, moody, but very smart 17-year-old student Mathilde Tessier who rarely shows up for class. The haggard 49-year-old philosophy professor François Hainaut (played by Bruno Cremer) takes an interest in her and resolves to tutor her.
Finally, and inevitably the two embark on an affair (understandably François is unable to resist Mathilde) and go to great lengths to keep it a secret from both François' wife and the school. Some may find it unrealistic that Mathilde would fall for François, but in the teacher she finds someone who cares for her and is willing to help her. Finally François decides to stay with his wife, much to the chagrin of Mathilde. The movie examines a range of emotions from anger, jealousy and love, and it is expertly scripted and directed by Jean-Claude Brisseau with incredible performances from both Paradis and Cremer all accompanied by a beautiful and at times haunting score.
Now, it may sound like a French version of "Fatal Attraction" but I will take "Noce Blanche" anyday. Not just because of the presence of Paradis, but the dour manner in which the proceedings are undertaken, and the incredible cinematography that include the shot of daylight streaming in over Paradis' body that was so provocative and memorable that it was the cover shot for the U.S. VHS release.
Of course there is a lot of nudity and the sight of a topless Vanessa Paradis makes this a worthwhile purchase anyway but Paradis really enlivens the film and turns in an impressive performance.
Recommended.

Vanessa Paradis debut acting performance is both exceptionally well performed and also crushingly beautifully played. She is cast as Mathilde Tessier who at first appears to be a lazy student hell bent on skipping class. When her teacher takes her under his wing to try and get to the route of the problem he finds himself drawn in by both her mystique and charisma. The affair begins and Mathilde's desperate situation becomes more and more apparant. When Francois' wife becomes aware of the dalliance she demands that it comes to an end.
Thus begins the prolonged and agonising ending in which Mathilde self destructs and Francois realizes that he will never love like he loved her. Sounds cliched but the presence of Paradis and her truly startling beauty elevates the film above other standard fare and truly haunts the viewer after it's conclusion. Beautiful work.

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5.0 out of 5 stars A PLEASURE TO WATCH (AND NOT A GUILTY ONE)
A STUNNING FILM WITH VANESSA PARADIS PLAYING SOMETHING OF A LOLITA TYPE CHARACTER. WITH THE BASIS OF THE STORY BEING THIS MIXED UP GIRL WITH A TROUBLED PAST,FINDING SOME FORM OF... Read more

Published 13 months ago by BAZ316

3.0 out of 5 stars Scandal Film?
The French film-makers are the past masters in making films on scandalous subjects(at least to the staid British sensitvity). Read more

Published 22 months ago by Satish Nimkar

2.0 out of 5 stars Was it worth it?
I agree with Fender32 to some extent:

"It's a shame really - so much effort put into something so utterly worthless! Read more

Published on 6 Feb 2010 by VCBF (Val)

2.0 out of 5 stars Utter fantasy (and not in the good old-fashoined 'Disney' way)!
I won't write too much here, because I'm fairly sure that most people will skip by this 'negative' review anyway. Read more

Published on 11 Sep 2009 by Fender32

5.0 out of 5 stars Vanessa Paradis
Not sure what to expect from this little film due to subtitles but I have to say that I was glued to the screen. Read more

Published on 27 Mar 2009 by Mayflower

5.0 out of 5 stars G.NEVILLE
one of the best films i have seen this year, top marks for all concerned,good story,very good acting,should make more films like this.

Published on 12 Mar 2009 by G. Neville

4.0 out of 5 stars Gentle moving film with perfect french class.
This is a must see film for any fans of the delectable Vanessa Paradis. In this film she plays a student who becomes infatuated with her teacher. Read more

Published on 28 Jun 2000 by john@crumpton.worldonline.co.uk

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