Jeanne Moreau in A LADY IN PARIS
A remarkable testament to aging with dignity
France loves its icons, one of whom is certainly the grande dame of French cinema Jeanne Moreau. In A LADY IN PARIS, Moreau gives a wonderful performance as the flinty Frida, who proves more than a challenge for Anne, played by Laine Mägi. Anne, who is dealing with the recent death of her mother, is employed from Estonia by café owner Stéphane (Patrick Pineau) to care for his former lover who is now eighty years old. Anne’s task proves a difficult one.
Although the two women share an Estonian background, Frida initially wants nothing to do with Anne, maliciously rejecting her services. Stéphane has to work hard to convince Anne to stay. Slowly but surely, Frida becomes less abrasive with Anne, who confronts her over Frida’s pronouncements that she wishes to die. Slowly the two women become reconciled. During walks together, Frida relates stories about her long life and experience of love. She still harbors a desire for Stéphane. The film presents a love-triangle of sorts. The protagonists learn from each other and in the process discover something of themselves and thereby a renewed lust for life.
UNE ESTONIENNE À PARIS is only the second film by director Ilmar Raag, and is based on the story of his mother, who also moved to Paris to work as a caregiver. The ending remains open.
This is a work that spans generations. Almost a debut for the director, for Jeanne Moreau the film represents yet another remarkable piece of work late in her career.
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A LADY IN PARIS
Photos: © ARSENAL Filmverleih