The Absent One (French: L'Absent) is a 1997 Canadian experimental film written and directed by Céline Baril.[1][2][3][4]
| The Absent One | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| L'Absent | |
| Directed by | Céline Baril |
| Written by | Céline Baril |
| Produced by | Céline Baril |
| Starring | Roland Bréard Bobo Vian |
| Cinematography | Céline Baril Michel Lamothe |
| Edited by | Céline Baril Michel Lamothe |
| Music by | Roland Bréard |
| Distributed by | Cinéma Libre (Quebec) |
Release date |
|
Running time | 78 minutes |
| Country | Canada |
| Language | French |
The idea for the film was inspired by Baril's discovery in a Paris flea market of a dusty old photo album. Interior scenes, and all exteriors of European cities, including Rome, Vienna, Budapest and Prague, as well as glimpses (footage) of old B&W photos of a family, were shot in 8 mm and blown up to 16 mm for effect.[5]
Synopsis
editThis film tells the story of Paul Kadar, an architect and musician who, en route to Budapest, is overcome by vertigo while contemplating the Danube and throws himself into it. It is an account of the happiness shared by Paul Kadar, his wife Françoise and Roland, their adopted son.[6] Years later, Roland, still unclear as to the circumstances that led his father to drown himself in the Danube, heads to Europe to find out for himself. His journey takes him to such places as Budapest, Warsaw, Prague and even as far as Tokyo.[2]
Cast
edit- Roland Bréard as Roland Kadar
- Bobo Vian as Hungarian Interviewer
Reception
editIn August 1997, Brendan Kelly of Variety wrote, "With its snail-like pacing, sub-par acting and underwhelming emotional impact, "The Absent One" is not likely to stir up much interest," and concludes with "Baril moves what little story there is along at an extremely slow speed, further straining viewer patience."[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Pallister, Janis L; Hottell, Ruth A (2005). Francophone Women Film Directors: A Guide. Madison: Fairleigh Dickinson University Press. p. 45. ISBN 0-8386-4046-X.
- ^ a b Sandra Brennan (2012). "L' Absent". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2012-10-20. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
- ^ "L' Absent". Hollywood.com. Retrieved 2014-06-12.
- ^ "L' Absent". Variety.com. Retrieved 2009-02-20. [dead link]
- ^ a b Kelly, Brendan (1997-08-04). "The Absent One". Variety. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
- ^ "Index: L'Absent". Cinémathèque québécoise. Retrieved 2009-02-20.