The Page Turner (La Tourneuse De Pages)
First of this season of films at my local Film Society last night was The Page Turner. It’s a French film telling the story of Melanie Prouvost, a girl who moves in to a family home to look after a young boy whilst his father is away on business.
It quickly turns out that Melanie shares an interest in piano playing with Ariane, the mother of the household who happens to be a gifted classical pianist. Ariane invites Melanie to become her page turner at an important concert but, unbeknown to her, she has met Melanie previously and has dangerously placed her vulnerable self in the hands of someone who could wreck both her marriage and her career.
In places The Page Turner is gripping, with director Denis Dercourt rarely opting for the obvious. The build to the inevitable climax is, however, at times a little plodding but the peak itself is a masterpiece in understated drama. A decent start to the new film season.
