Catherine Deneuve as Nelly and Yves Montand as Martin in the 1975 French classic Le Sauvage.
Catherine Deneuve as Nelly and Yves Montand as Martin in the 1975 French classic Le Sauvage.
Whanganui Film Society's Monday night offering is Jean-Paul Rappeneau's 1975 Classic Le Sauvage starring Catherine Deneuve and Yves Montand.
Reviewer James Steffen described Le Sauvage as an homage to classic Hollywood screwball comedies set largely in South America.
"Deneuve departs from her usual cool persona to play a manic Frenchwomanin Venezuela who is on the run from her possessive Italian husband (Luigi Vannucchi), and who proceeds to turn the life of a reclusive perfume maker (Montand) upside-down ..."
In France, Le Sauvage received four César nominations for Best Actress, Best Director, Best Cinematography and Best Direction.
Gene Moskowitz of Variety felt that the film's direction was perhaps too leisurely, but he admired the performances: "Montand is in good form. Bearded and witty, he is a good foil to Deneuve's attempt to let her hair down from her usual cool roles.
"Supporting players are helpful, especially Luigi Vannucchi as the bombastic fiancé and Tony Roberts as the hapless victim of the stolen, expensive painting.
"Top technical credits and production dress are added plus factors.'"
Le Sauvage screens at Davis Theatre, Whanganui Regional Museum, Watt St, on Monday, August 14 at 7pm.
