October 16th, 2007 | by Gautam |
“Rosa darling, it’s not your fault. But you can see for yourself, neither of us has much work. So, we’re going to find a wonderful lady to look after you. Everything will be fine, you’ll see” reads the synopsis of this wonderful film. Blandine Lenoir, the writer, director, producer and the lead actor of ‘Rosa‘ tells a personal tale of a new mother facing an artist’s block with a fast approaching deadline.
Clad in a retro pink jacket, she travels through the winter burnt streets of Paris in search of the perfect nanny to take care of her beloved little angel: ‘Rosa‘. No matter who she meets, she’s never too sure she wants them to take care of her daughter. She meets friends for a smoke in the park and they say she should socialize more often. With her husband’s ever-busy schedule and her upcoming deadline she can’t seem to find the time. Of course, then there’s Rosa. Off she goes again, driving in her car with her Rosa by her side, safely strapped to the baby-seat. She takes her to her studio but she can’t seem to get herself to work- she’d rather play with her Rosa, she can’t seem to take her eyes off her.
Lenoir builds a beautiful story around a topic that often remains less addressed. There are films on protagonists with artist’s blocks (just ask Fellini) and then there are films on new moms but there are few which explore a combination of both- a combination that is as real as either of the two. The film runs for 23 minutes and follows Lenoir’s character all around town, to a park, to several day cares, to a party and finally into the arms of her husband. Lenoir is almost errorless in her portrayal of a rock star-turned-new mom who is stressed with her newly acquired dual role and at the same time completely in love with her daughter.
Kudos to Blandine Lenoir for a writing a touching story, directing an impressive film and for delivering a truly believable performance.
