L'homme de chevet

"Cartegena" from 2007 was an interesting film. Based on the subject matter you know you're in for a somewhat tough watch. I found it on streaming and I watched it all the way through when I wasn't planning to, so it must be a certain level of quality for me to do that. I don't want to heap praise on it though, there were points that I didn't care for, namely the overall bleak tone, which was a choice, to only show the seedier elements of life there. Having every character be some degree of loser makes it tough, but I know that the world is rough out there, however I can't reward a film for simply showing that. What I do find positive about "Cartagena" is the novel location, good cinematography, good acting, and chiefly the spotlight that the film shines on the disabled and their caregivers, which touches many persons in this world and is a difficult but important subject. Both the patient and caregiver have their own unique difficulties, worries, and thought processes; I have personally experienced both sides of it. And, I think this film has an important point that men can be caregivers too and should not be excluded from such work out of some kneejerk reaction. Both men and women need each other, they are complimentary, and sometimes just the other's presence and help with daily activities can make a big difference in enlivening someone's life. Bottom line: worth a watch, but 6/10 rating.

As the story begins, we watch as Leo arrives for an interview with Muriel, a paralyzed woman. Lucia, her assistant, warns Leo not to expect anything from the lady, who seems to terrorize anyone she employs. Leo is an unlikely candidate for the position, possibly ill suited to handle the needs of Muriel, who is bed bound. In a surprise move, she decides to hire him to alternate with Lucia the duties of a nurse, servant and cook in the large house where she lives. Things do not go smoothly between Leo and Muriel. She barely tolerates him. Leo has a drinking problem; he even resorts to drinking pure alcohol by itself, or sometimes with Coke. He is quite a sight to behold. Leo is unkempt, appears to be dirty, so one wonders what could be the attraction Muriel sees in the man. From a shaky start, Leo, who wants to get Muriel out of the house, succeeds in surprising ways. In Muriel's eyes he begins to be seen in a different light. Leo's past is revealed as he visits a local gym where he spots a man that knew him as a professional boxer, a champion, whose success was short lived because his love for the bottle. He sees two women boxers sparring at the place, and he sees the possibilities for taking Lina, a woman who tried to rob him at the market, to the top. While he is not interested in his protégé sexually, she gets a different reading. Leo is able to get Muriel out of her rut. He starts taking her all over the ancient city where she has lived, but did not dare go out for fear of being hurt. There is a definite undercurrent between them as Muriel gets a different view from this scruffy man with almost no manners, but who was the only person to make her see the world around her. Directed by Alain Monne, who co-wrote the screenplay with Nathalie Vailloud, "Cartagena" is a bittersweet comedy. Based on a novel by Eric Holder, whose "Mademoiselle Chambon" was successfully adapted for the screen, it gets an interesting production. Totally shot in beautiful Cartagena, Colombia, a gorgeous setting with the mystery and charm of the old town, the film feels one's senses. A scruffy Christopher Lambert plays Leo, the man with a past, now trying to make it in his new adopted city. The actor shows tenderness as he approaches the way he handles Muriel, who in spite of not being able to feel anything, can still feel he is a man. The Muriel of Sophie Marceau does not let her do much since she only can move her head. In spite of that handicap, she does a wonderful job as the fragile woman who suddenly can feel the lushness around her guided by Leo. Antoine Roch photographs the beautiful scenery in glowing colors. The music score is credited to Florencia Di Concilio. This is Alain Monne's film debut in the French cinema. He has done well for this being his first opportunity in which to show his talent.

Depressing. Muriel's house is very interesting. It's good to see different types of houses in stories for a change. Every people have a particular way of life and all should be respected. Lucia is a bitter woman who has a cruel thing to say about every person, gratuitously. An unlikable character that disrespects others struggles or way of life. Weak character and story development.

The only thing that gets me is the bad hair on the lead man throughout the film. Lol. Otherwise it was pretty overall. Sweet beautiful delicate actress. Her face is a gem. Gentle lovely intimacy. Holding space and quietness is in the tone and manner throughout. Colorful and artistic in terms of choice of colors, setting, clothing, interior design of everything. Shows the value that ppl need in order to have a great relationship. Trust. But Trust takes a combination of things to get to - eg. Time, consistency (choosing kindness even at the worst times) and a promise and a commitment in action to eventually arrive at. In the end, love for another human, wins. In terms of area of improvement, not sure, something more acting related perhaps... on lambert's part.

I love it. I do not know why. For actors, for story, for its bitter taste, for its delicate and seductive portrait of characters, for the untold words or for the feeling to discover a honest definition of life. Important is only the film itself. The presence of Sophie Marceau and Christophe Lambert, the photography and the smart plot. And the gentle manner to tell the story. All so simple. And full of hope.

The movie pleasantly surprised me. Characters dramas and atmosphere are the keys here, not the plot, which is rather thin. Noticeable is the subtle, but constant erotic arousal between Leo and the 3 female main characters, who, at certain point all seem to be falling for him. Don't expect explicit scenes, romance is just suggested and that makes the movie worth. C.Lambert is acting very well IMHO, bringing to life an unexpected mixture of manhood, loser, romance and sensitivity. Sophie Marceau is ravishing as a very beautiful woman condemned in the wheelchair, but still aspiring for love and fulfillment in her life. She is an educated woman, even sophisticated, having high expectations from the people surrounding her. She reminds of a noble from other century sometimes. I found very nice to watch how such a character played by Marceau ends up falling for the sometimes rude Lambert, and also, how this "rude" boy, a former boxer now drinking all his pennies, can display such profound and delicate feelings. In conclusion I would give it 7.5, which is good, but not great.