Late August, Early September

Trumpeted (unwisely) as a French The Big Chill, writer-director Olivier Assaya's (Irma Vep) latest follows the arc of Gabriel Deshayes (Mathieu Amalric), a struggling novelist whose professional and personal life is, at best, in flux--and, at worst, in shambles. Gabriel's attempts to distinguish himself professionally are stymied by the success of his close friend Adrien (Francois Cluzet), a self-possessed author who secretly savors the intimidating effect he has on his still struggling friend. Complicating matters further, Gabriel is emotionally torn between a comfortable, though no longer satisfying, relationship with his old flame Jenny (Jeanne Balibar), and a burgeoning relationship with Anne (Virginie Ledoyen), a strikingly beautiful but emotionally turbulent young woman whose demands afford him no peace. Flawlessly acted and directed, Late August, Early September deftly weaves what at times seem incongruous characters and plot threads together for a powerful final effect. Mathieu Amalric, as Gabriel, and Virginie Ledoyen, as Anne, are particularly standout, with the latter demonstrating an extraordinary screen presence. Assaya is clearly in no hurry to tell this story, and the pace and brooding nature of the film may not suit all, but those with patience for this complex tale will be well rewarded in the end. Highly recommended. (S. C. Sickles)