Photo credit: movieweb.com
There’s a sense of duality in the experience of the pandemic—while it was undoubtedly a harrowing time globally, some individuals found solace in the stillness it brought. As an only child with a tendency toward introversion, I experienced a certain comfort during lockdown, spending time with family and a beloved dog in a peaceful setting. This sensation of isolation mixed with intimacy resonates through Olivier Assayas’ latest film, Suspended Time, currently screening at the 30th Rendez-Vous with France from Film at Lincoln Center.
Olivier Assayas Has a ‘Day in the Country’
Set in April 2020, Suspended Time follows film director Paul Berger, who retreats to a rural area with his brother, Etienne, and their partners. The film cleverly navigates the nuances of confinement through a lens of humor and introspection, all while beautifully capturing the complexities of human relationships amidst societal upheaval.
Release Date February 17, 2024
Genres International, Drama, Romance, Comedy
Runtime 106 Minutes
Cast Nora Hamzawi, Vincent Macaigne, Dominique Reymond, Micha Lescot
Director Olivier Assayas
Writers Olivier Assayas
Producers Olivier Assayas, Olivier Delbosc
Distributor(s) Ad Vitam Production
Pros & Cons
Quietly humorous and deeply insightful, it features rich dialogue with a soothing atmosphere.
Additionally, it presents delightful performances throughout its runtime.
However, there’s a missed opportunity to further develop the female characters.
Suspended Time is rooted in the perplexing early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, framed by Assayas’ own observations. The film transports viewers to Montabé, a picturesque village where Paul (Vincent Macaigne) and Etienne (Micha Lescot) occupy their childhood home. This retreat into nature, filled with personal significance for Assayas, builds a relaxed yet engaging backdrop as four distinct personalities share confined quarters.
Etienne, a charismatic music journalist, maintains a cool demeanor toward COVID-19, contrasting sharply with his anxious brother Paul, a filmmaker who grapples with the uncertainties of the pandemic. The dialogues encompass thoughts on literature, music, and the complexities of their relationships, crafting a narrative that centers on observational interplay rather than a traditional plot.
The film’s narrative may not adhere to conventional storytelling, but the real charm lies in its character exploration. Echoing the themes of Jean Renoir’s classic A Day in the Country, Suspended Time utilizes the pandemic backdrop as a canvas for cultivating human connection and reflection.
Honest, Realistic Characters
Olivier Assayas demonstrates a remarkable range through his works, seamlessly transitioning from psychological thrillers to contemplative dramas. With Suspended Time, he returns to a style reminiscent of his beloved film, Summer Hours, yet with a lighter touch. This piece serves as an emotional balm, steering clear of high-stakes drama while embracing the sweetness of day-to-day life, mirroring the very essence of personal lockdown experiences.
While the potential for traditional conflict is present, Assayas adopts a more sophisticated approach. The interactions here are laced with authenticity; subtle tensions arise from mundane occurrences—a burnt saucepan, disagreements over noise levels during movie nights—which encapsulates a relatable slice of life without devolving into melodrama.
A Beautifully Simple Romance
The romantic dynamics within Suspended Time unfold gently, portraying a realistic growth in intimacy between Paul and Morgane. Their interactions yield a sense of comfort, revealing layers of their relationship through shared intellectual pursuits and creative exchanges. This nuanced portrayal of romance, absent of grand gestures, allows viewers to see themselves reflected in the simplicity of their connection.
While secondary characters, like Etienne and Carole, possess their unique charm, the narrative prioritizes the brothers’ experience, leaving some room for deeper characterization of the women involved. Yet, even in their sidelined roles, the details of their personalities are expressively captured, adding depth to the overall narrative.
Accompanying the visuals is Assayas’ reflective narration, which imbues Suspended Time with a rich historical context and personal resonance. His voiceover injects the natural landscapes with fond memories, enriching the film’s emotional landscape. For those interested in a film that encapsulates the beauty of ordinary life during extraordinary times, Suspended Time is showing on Sunday, March 16 at 8:15pm at Lincoln Center. Get tickets here.
Source
movieweb.com