Producers: Michel Saint-Jean

Director: Denis Dercourt

Story: Denis Dercourt, Jacques Sotty

Stars: Catherine Frot, Déborah François, Pascal Greggory, Antoine Martyciow, Clotilde Mollet, Xavier De Guillebon, Julie Richalet

Plot: A scorned budding musician wreaks a quiet revenge on her transgressor

Verdict: Underlying tension reaps fine performances; especially by Déborah François

Box office prospects: A dramatic, sensitive film for the discerning cinegoer

Creative Quotient

'The Page Turner' directed by Denis Dercourt is an elegant, subtle French drama of revenge. Dercourt, the writer-director, has been a professional musician, both a performer and a teacher, he makes music, particularly the classical genre a very

Important part of his films. The Johann Sebasatain Bach Prélude and Shostakovich's trio are well placed in 'The Page Turner'.

'The Page Turner' revolves round two women - a young girl and an older woman. Mélanie Prouvost, the ten-year-old daughter of a butcher, is a gifted pianist, who appears for the Conservatory entrance exam. Mélanie is very likely to be admitted.

Unfortunately, she gets distracted by the thoughtless behaviour of president of the jury, a famous pianist Ariane Fouchecourt (Catherine Frot) and she fails. Back home, in a very decisive scene played out by the young actress, Melanie (played Julie Richalet), puts away her music books and locks up her piano.

Ten years later, Mélanie (now played by Déborah François) joins a prestigious Paris law firm headed by a famed attorney called Jean Fouchecourt , the husband of her transgressor. Its payback time, when her employer asks her to work at his house helping his wife and son out with their curriculum. Melanie couldn't have asked for a better chance. She wins over Ariane who becomes dependent on her as her page turner and emotional crutch. Melanie gets her chance to wreak vengeance.

The dénouement fatale is low key, underplayed with and yet has an impact on the viewer - Arainne is left bereft; as Melanie walks off victorious.

Technical Expertise

Denis Dercourt's script and direction have contributed largely to making 'The Page Turner' a more than average film. The unhurried pace doesn't stop time and it contributes to moving the film towards its climax. The absence of dramatic conflict is felt, and yet the quiet friction is adequate to project the turmoil of a young mind waiting to strike back. The use of music has been exemplary.

The performances are the tour de force. Catherine Frot brings all her experience to her role as Arianne. It is however, the two young actresses who play Melanie -- Julie Richalet and Déborah François - who have shown fine mettle.

Each has had a signature scene which has showcased their prowess for sensitive, restrained performances marked by silence. Deborah Francois, however, scores with more scenes than one and it's difficult to place one above the other. This reviewer is partial to the one where she pierces the cellist's foot with the spike of the instrument to ward off his sexual advances.

Jerome Peyrebrune's cinematography is exceptional in both the indoor scenes as in the outdoor. He uses the indoor pool and water to be a silent witness to the revenge being sought. He cleverly manages the music performance in keeping with the music that is being played out.

Rating