A quiet film based on a novel by Simenon

Betty (1992) directed by Claude Chabrol

Chabrol's true representations of women have made him a "cineaste des femmes".Betty signifies a change of pace for Chabrol as after years of thrillers,he has made a quiet film.Betty is a unique tale of a troubled bourgeois woman who felt that she could drown her sorrows in alcohol. Chabrol has accurately adapted Simenon novel as everything appears in a flashback.He has made it clear that he has not created neither a psychological portrait nor a moralistic drama.Betty is a collection of sharp obeservations on bourgeois life.She is a victim of circumstances as destiny did not favour her.Although,her marriage was based on love it didn't succeed as she was sceptical of it from the beginning.What she really wanted was companionship.Betty and Laure share a strange friendship built on mutual trust and respect.Betty's heartrending tale confirms that no woman will ever leave her family unless something tragic happens to her.

Guillaume Depardieu in one of the best roles of his career.

Les Apprentis (1995) directed by Pierre Salvadori

Les Apprentis is a moving saga of two impoverished friends.Antoine and Fred are unfortunate in all stages of their existence.Their financial lives are completely ruined.They are not at all lucky with their emotional existence as their girl friends have left them.What is interesting for the discerning viewer to watch is their peculiar camaraderie that allows them to go ahead in their lives despite numerous ups and downs.Pierre Salvadori has effectively created a tender tale of emotional calamities.He has elicited excellent acting performances from his entire cast.Guillaume Depardieu is splendid as gawky photographer Fred.Les Apprentis takes a bizarre twist towards the end when neurotic Antoine tries to hide his emotions from Fred.It is impossible to find a parallel to this film in an array of cynical tradition of French Cinema.It easily brings to mind Claude Lelouch's Robert et Robert.The impressive soundtrack is capable of enlivening gloomy spirits.The strength of the film lies in the fact that it gives viewers ample time to make their own judgments.