SLIFF 2010 Review: QUEEN AT PLAY

Review by Dana Jung

Obsession is a funny thing. In love, it can lead to heartbreak and despair. But in other ways, it can be a positive force, such as a country’s obsession with putting a man on the moon, or in finding a cure for cancer. In the French film QUEEN AT PLAY (JOUEUSE), one woman’s obsession results in a wonderfully rich character study.

Helene is a seemingly ordinary woman living an ordinary life. She works two jobs as a maid to support her modest home and family, a pleasant if somewhat dull husband and slightly spoiled teenage daughter. For Helene, every day is the same: monotonous and unexciting. Then, one day at work she enters a room to do her housekeeping chores and, to her surprise, finds the couple renting the room out on the balcony. At first, they are unaware of her, and she has a brief but glorious look at the heady heights of romance. The couple is seated at a small table, holding hands. He is handsome, dressed casually in shirt and slacks. The woman (Jennifer Beals in a great cameo) is still in her nightgown, a demure yet sexy cream-colored satin. They are gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes as a gentle breeze ruffles the woman’s dark hair. And they are playing a game of chess.

Against the backdrop of a beautiful French countryside, this image is an important one in the film, and to the character of Helene. When she returns to clean the room the next day, the couple is gone, but they have accidentally left behind the satin nightgown, and as she holds the exquisitely feminine article, she looks meaningfully at the chess set. Her brief encounter with the couple has awakened something in Helene, an obsession with the ideas of a romantic life different from her own, and of a game she knows nothing about.

Director and co-writer Caroline Bottaro has created a truly memorable character in Helene. As we follow her in her new passion, it becomes clear that the film isn’t interested in analyzing her actions or motivations, but in the effect her behavior has on those around her. And though a drama about the game of chess can be compelling (SEARCHING FOR BOBBY FISCHER and FRESH come to mind), QUEEN AT PLAY doesn’t waste much screen time on sacrificing pawns and castling kings.

As Helene, actress Sandrine Bonnaire is a triumph. With her large expressive features and quiet yet determined air, Bonnaire is in nearly every scene, and shines throughout. Also notable is Kevin Kline (who gives his performance almost entirely in French) as the reclusive widower Dr. Kroger, who sees a sort of kindred spirit in Helene, and nurtures her in part for his own personal reasons.

But, this is Bonnaire’s film all the way, and her journey as Helene is an enjoyably memorable one. Because ultimately, if you have an obsession about learning, growing, or experiencing new and amazing things, life can be full of lovely surprises.

QUEEN AT PLAY will play during the 19th Annual Stella Artois St. Louis International Film Festival on Friday, November 19th at 7:00 pm and Saturday, November 2oth at 3:30 pm at the Plaza Frontenac Cinema.