“35 Shots” Makes An Interesting Toast
Reviewed by Shirrel Rhoades
Ever compared the subways of the world? I always get lost on New York City’s MTA subway system, even after living there more than 25 years. London’s Underground is confusing. Japan’s Metro is fast and efficient. But I best love the trains-run-on-time regularity of the Paris Metro.
A new film at the Tropic Cinema – “35 Shots of Rum” – gives you an interesting ride on the Metro subway of Paris.
This quiet little family drama by French director Claire Denis will introduce you to a subway motorman named Lionel (Alex Descas) and his pretty student daughter Joséphine (Mati Diop) who live quietly together in a Parisian suburb. Other tenants in their building – almost an extended family – include female taxi driver Gabrielle (Nicole Dogue) and cat-loving Noé (Grégoire Colin).
The plot is echoed by the retirement of fellow train motorman Ruben (Jean-Christophe Folly), a change in the status quo.
This carefully paced movie is about people facing change. Lionel realizes his comfortable existence with his daughter is about to undergo a transition as he watches her dance with Noé at a late-night bar.
Yes, the train line serves as symbol of the movie’s orderly theme. All aboard for a journey through life.
srhoades@aol.com
[from Solares Hill]
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