Stron Acting, Directing Make ‘Red’ A Hit

“Red” is one of those films where the last scene brings the story into a full circle. Recent films like “Pulp Fiction” and “Heavenly Creatures” have used this method of filmmaking. “Red” incorporates an earlier scene into the last frame on a much smaller scale, but without losing any of the importance.

The two parts of that scene, the visual and the way it fits into the plot, are the two best things going for this Swiss movie. And, along with the fine acting, what more can be wanted? The plot of “Red” has young model Valentine (Irene Jacob) accidentally hitting a dog with her car. She takes the dog to the address on its collar and finds an owner who doesn’t seem to care. He tells her to get out and take the dog with her.

He’s a strange man. His name is Joseph Kern (Jean-Louis Trintignant), and he’s a retired judge who now spends his time listening to his neighbor’s phone calls. He’s not a perverted dirty old man, he is just burned out on life and is interested in the lives of others. Valentine walks into his world, and the two form a strange friendship based on mutual interest in each other.

But that’s only one part of “Red.” The second story, which is happening simultaneously, concerns a young man named Auguste who is in love. Throughout the movie, Auguste and the object of his affection are always in the background, and the string of near-misses between Auguste and Valentine that are scattered throughout “Red” are funny and entertaining, but ultimately serve a greater purpose in the overall storyline.

As Valentine, Jacob is wonderful. She is always animated and brings a vibrancy to her character. As her counterpart, Trintignant is engaging and able to seem full of mystery yet simple. Together, the two protagonists drive the film to its fateful climax.

But at the bottom of every scene is Krzysztof Kieslowski’s sound direction. The way he sets up his shots, especially in Auguste and Valentine’s chance encounters, suggests a filmmaker who excels on the technical side of movies as well as story.

“Red” is definitely a thinking film. It poses questions about life, death, love, destiny and loss. With a script that moves the action along at a relaxed pace while throwing in character revelations occasionally, “Red” is a profound and fascinating movie.

Grade: A+

ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo