LAMORINDA WEEKLY | "Le Week-End" (2013)


Jim Broadbent and Lindsay Duncan in Le Week-End Photo provided

The 16th California Independent Film Festival opens with a fun little film, "Le Week-End," that will resonate with the particular demographics of this geographic region and the CAIFF audience in particular. The need for married professionals to reconnect after years of marriage, family and career is a common theme for those finding themselves suddenly in mid-life or "empty nesters." This film tells the story of a British couple who return to Paris for a second honeymoon but much like similar films, what ensues is not necessarily what was planned or hoped for.

Starring a wonderful cast led by Jim Broadbent ("Harry Potter") and Lindsay Duncan, a well-known British actress who has been seen in numerous productions from "Alice in Wonderland" to HBO's "Rome" a few years ago, with a memorable guest appearance by Jeff Goldblum, scene stealer from too many films to mention, including "Jurassic Park," "Independence Day" and one of this writer's favorites - "The Big Chill." The revelations, confrontations and surprises that unfold during this compressed weekend trip to reconnect are at times shocking, but never dull or predictable.

This independent film is lifted to a level above most film festival fare by the locations, writing and superb acting. The dialog and delivery is rapid paced but sharp, funny and at times quite cutting, much like we imagine our own dialog could be if we thought a little more before speaking. In the hands of these professionals it seems very natural and not delivered from a script - even one as well written as this.

There are a few scenes that will not be appropriate for younger audiences, but mature experienced film goers will enjoy the tempting and teasing of things not necessarily graphically displayed - enough said. For those who enjoy Paris, this will bring back some memories and hopefully a desire to return. For those who have not been to Paris - well, what are you waiting for?

Take a chance, buy a ticket and experience a good film that you will not likely have a chance to see in the theaters. Support your local film festival and be a supporter of the arts and the exhibition of someone's hard work and passion.

For more information regarding this film and others at the 16th California Independent Film Festival, please go to www.caiff.org - get your tickets early as we expect this event to sell out. Au revoir.