#492: DESPLECHIN, Arnaud: A Christmas Tale (2008)

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DESPLECHIN, Arnaud (France)
A Christmas Tale [2008]
Spine #492
Blu-ray


In Arnaud Desplechin's beguiling A Christmas Tale (Un conte de Noël), Catherine Deneuve brings her legendary poise to the role of Junon, matriarch of the troubled Vuillard family, who gather at Christmas after she learns she needs a bone marrow transplant from a blood relative. That simple family-reunion setup, however, can't begin to describe the unpredictable, emotionally volatile experience of this film, an inventive, magical drama that's equal parts merriment and melancholy. Unrequired childhood loves and blinding grudges, brutal outbursts and sudden slapstick, music, movies, and poetry — A Christmas Tale ties it all together in a marvelously messy package.

152 minutes
Color
Surround
in French
2:35:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2009
Director/Writers


Screenplay by Arnaud Desplechin and Emmanuel Bourdieu.
Desplechin was 48 when he directed A Christmas Tale.

The Film

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Twenty-page booklet featuring an essay by critic Phillip Lopate.

Commentary

None.
L’aimée

Desplechin’s 2007 documentary about the sale of his family home.
Arnaud’s Tale

A 35-minute documentary featuring interviews with Desplechin and actors Amalric and Deneuve.
Original theatrical trailers

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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