NEWPORT, RI (Oct. 31, 2008) -- Arnaud Desplechin's A Christmas Tale, staring Catherine Deneuve, will be NIFF's Second Monday screening in November.
"Very engrossing, often very funny, like a good, long novel you can't put down... [Chiara Mastroianni's] performance is one of the many gems in this rambunctious, imperfect joy of a movie."
- Ty Burr, Boston Globe
The film, set for limited release on Nov. 14, will have a sneak preview on Monday, Nov. 10, at the Jane Pickens Theater in Newport. NIFF's new Artistic Director, Tom Hall, will be in attendance to talk about the film and take questions following the screening.
Abel and Junon (Deneuve) had two children, Joseph and Elizabeth. Victim of a rare genetic condition, Joseph's only hope was a bone marrow transplant.
As they and Elizabeth were incompatible, his parents conceived a third child in the hope of saving their son. But little Henri too was unable to help his brother, and Joseph died at the age of seven. The Vuillard family has never recovered. Many years have passed, and family relationships are more strained than ever. In particular, those between Elizabeth, authoritarian head of the family and Henri, a cynical drop out who divides his time between women and drink.
After a violent argument, Elizabeth banishes her feckless brother, cutting him off from his nephew, her son Paul - a tortured adolescent beset by serious mental problems.
Masterfully directed and acted, by turns savage, bittersweet, darkly comic and unbearably moving, A Christmas Tale shows internationally acclaimed director Arnaud Desplechin at the height of his powers.
What the Critics are Saying:
"A darkly exuberant feast. Now that is a movie!"
- Glenn Kenny
"[Desplechin's] passion for finding new ways to tell old stories are exhilarating... This is a film you don't want to see end, not because the people are so happy but because they are so human and so alive."
- Kenneth Turan, LA Times
Details:
DATE: Monday, Nov. 10, 2008 @ 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Jane Pickens Theater
49 Touro St.
Newport, RI
ADMISSION: $10 / $8 NIFF Members and students
Tickets are available the night of the screening; the box office at the Pickens opens at 6 p.m.
For more information, visit newportfilmfestival.com
(This is not an RIFC Production)