QUEEN TO PLAY
Directed by Caroline Bottaro
Produced by Dominique Besneard & Michel Feller
Written by Bottaro & Caroline Maly, based on the novel The Chess Player by Bertina Henrichs
Released by Zeitgeist Films
French with English subtitles
France/Germany. 96 min. Not Rated
With Sandrine Bonnaire, Kevin Kline, Francis Renaud, Jennifer Beals, Dominic Gould, Valérie Lagrange & Alexandra Gentil
 

Hélène (Sandrine Bonnaire) and her husband, Ange (Francis Renaud), a middle-aged working-class couple, live in a cramped apartment high on the hills of Corsica. Things are mostly okay at home though their daughter, on the cusp of adulthood, is in something of a rebellious mode and their finances are strained. Ange’s hours at the shipyard are decreasing, and to help make ends meet, Hélène rides the bus or bikes to a luxury resort, where she works as a chambermaid. It’s clear in her numerous close-ups that while there’s nothing terribly wrong with her life, she’s restless and while not quite despairing, disappointed.

One day while cleaning one of the rooms she observes the guests, an American couple (Dominic Gould and Jennifer Beals), playing chess on their balcony. Though we never quite fully understand why she grows so fascinated with the game, the process of her transformation from complete novice to something of a champion provides the arc of the film. The vehicle for her getting there is in the unlikely comportment of Dr. Kröger (Kevin Kline), a mysterious recluse whose home she cleans for the extra money. At first short with her, Kröger treats her like common help, but when she asks him to teach her the game in exchange for free housekeeping, he begins to thaw. His initial suspicion grows into a fondness as he senses her true enthusiasm and commitment to the game.

Back at home, there is some necessary thawing as well. Like many couples, Hélène and Ange are in a rut. Hélène still desires Ange, but the financial pressures have left him feeling somewhat emasculated. Ange doesn’t show much interest in chess or initially in encouraging her new hobby. He does, however, notice her increasing time at Kröger’s home. He reacts at first with anger and jealousy, and almost succeeds in breaking her down.

The story could’ve easily have fallen into a farcical, comedy of errors mode (the mistaken affair, the husband spying in the bushes, etc.), but Ms. Bottaro, making her feature film debut, chooses instead to keep things light but serious. Despite the role’s limitations, Mr. Kline, in his first completely French-language role, ably rises above the clichés. Ms. Bonnaire (La Cérémonie, Intimate Strangers), too, delivers an uncomplicated performance. With its international cast and simple storyline, Queen to Play feels like a throwback to an earlier time of ’70’s French filmmaking (though not without a surreal detour or two). And that is most welcome. The only misstep is a late moment of sexual violence between husband and wife. That scene feels contrived and far too heavy handed in a film that otherwise keeps the tone fairly upbeat. Adam Schartoff
April 1, 2011