Chocolat
Motion picture released in 2000, based upon the novel by Joanne Harris
Director: Lasse Hallström
Screenplay by Robert Nelson Jacobs
Distributed by Miramax
Running time 121 min
Adding to the previous writeup, one has to mention the fantastic acting
performances by Juliet Binoche and Judi Dench (M in the Bond-films, the
queen in Shakespeare in love and lots, lots more). The other actors does not impress as
much, but that has more to do with the film being told as an old tale, using
stereotypes and not giving the actors very much room. Hallström has left no
room for subtlety, but that is probably necessary when releasing a movie about
bigotry and double standards in the U.S....
It is interesting to see Johnny Depp working together with Hallström since
their first time What's eating Gilbert Grape. The role as Gilbert Grape was
Johnny's first "serious" role, not specifically catering for an
audience of young girls. Binoche, on her side, has matured beautifully as an
actress since her early roles in Les Amants du Pont-Neuf and the Trois
Coleurs-trilogy together with Krzysztof Kieslowski. Her English is
fantastic now, and she has added a warmth and joy to her acting that really
shows and which is promising for the future.