'Loosely' based on aspects of his own adolescence this is Louis Malle's eighth feature although he refers to it as 'my first film'. Hard to believe that this is in fact the first that he has written on his own. One of Malle's strengths is his sense of place and period and we are totally convinced that we are in France of the 1950's. He has created a wonderful portrait of a bourgeois family comprising Charles, a gynaecologist, his Italian wife Clara and three sons, the youngest of whom, Laurent, is particularly close to his mother. It is such a pity that the film acquired the title 'Dearest Love' as the original title 'Murmur of the Heart' not only refers to Laurent's medical condition but also subtly alludes to his feelings for his mother. These feelings lead to an act of incest which is beautifully directed by Malle and seems a perfectly natural development in their relationship. This is certainly Malle's most joyous film and he has drawn the best from his cast. Clara's character is written as an irresistible free spirit and is played to perfection by Lea Massari. Benoit Ferreux is just right as the adolescent whose hormones insist on throwing their weight about and the excellent Daniel Gelin makes the most of a rather dour role as Charles. Michel Lonsdale does a marvellous turn as a touchy-feely Catholic priest! It is nigh on impossible not to be enchanted by this film which serves as a reminder that incest should be kept in the family!
Review of Murmur of the Heart
