The 2016 Seattle International Film Festival welcomed "Maryland" (original title) from France/Belgium (English captions).
Award-winning writer/director
Alice Winocour ("Mustang") with writing assistance from
Jean-Stéphane Bron brings us a terrific thriller about a veteran with
PTSD who has been hired to be a bodyguard for a wealthy man's wife.
We watch:
- Matthias Schoenaerts ("The Danish Girl") is Vincent, a capable soldier, but inclined to overreact.
- Diane Kruger ("Fathers and Daughters") - Jessie can't see why Vincent acts the way he does. She is unaware she's in any danger and insists she doesn't know what her husband does for a living.
- Paul Hamy ("French Blood") - Denis can see Vincent will probably be mustered out of the military because of his PTSD, but at least he can find work for him. And they have each other's back...
- Zaïd Errougui-Demonsant in his first role, brings us Ali, the little fellow who must be protected.
Most audiences have a conditioned response
to a scene where the camera lingers after the central issue is
resolved. If it stays too long, we expect an attack: a gunshot or a
knife. I found this to be exhausting even though I realize it is just a
matter of style. Trust me, there are enough "Gotcha!" moments without
all of those that seem to presage danger when there is none.
The extremely close close-ups, the rain, and the ending, made me think this one is artistic. YOYO (You're On Your Own)
By the way, "Maryland" is the name of the estate where the wealthy employer lives with his family.
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