MEMOIR OF WAR by Carol Kaufman Segal

            The film, Memoir of War, written and directed by Emmanual Finkiel, is based on a semi-autobiographical novel by Marguerite Duras.  Duras died in 1996 at the age of 81.  In her novel, the famed author goes back to a time in her life during World War II.  As she looks back on her diary, she can hardly remember ever writing about her life during that time.

            The year is 1944, the place, Nazi-occupied France.  Marguerite Antelme (Melanie Thierry) is a young writer deeply lost in her emotions since the arrest of her husband Robert (Emmanuel Bourdieu), a resistant fighter who has been sent to a labor camp.  An active member of the movement along with her husband and a group of fellow fighters, Marguerite is obsessed with the loss of her husband, consumed with trying to find him, hoping for him to come home.

            Marguerite even goes so far as to become friendly with Pierre Rabier (Benoit Magimel), a French Nazi collaborator with hopes that he will tell her where Robert is.  He asks her to meet him every day, offering hope that he will have information about him. He reveals an interest in Marguerite  because she is a writer, but is he really going to help her?  Her friend and Robert’s, Dionys Mascolo, (Benjamin Biolay,) and the other Members of the Resistance, are concerned that Pierre is only trying to get information from her regarding the movement.  They don’t approve of her continued meetings, and after many months, she realizes that he has been stringing her along.     

            Each scene throughout the film portrays a woman suffering from her loss, fighting for the life of her husband, sometimes strong, and yet living through moments of weakness.  Through all of the months of wondering if she will ever see Robert again, Marguerite has seeked solace and love from Dionys which has intensified her guilt and pain.   When all that she has fought for over a year comes to fruition, we are left with a fading scene.           

            Melanie Thierry is the focal point throughout the entire film.  Her portrayal of Marguerite is outstanding.  She keeps one focused on what is happening throughout.  However, it becomes difficult to feel sympathy for her character in the final analysis of the story.

            Running time, 127 minutes.   Not rated

            In French with English subtitles

            Playing at Laemmle Royal, West Los Angeles; Laemmle Playhousec7, Pasadena, Laemmle Town Center 5, Encino