When The Cat's Away [1995]

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Primary Contributor : Garance Clavel
Primary Contributor : Zinedine Soualem

Product Details

Director : Cédric Klapisch
Actor : Garance Clavel, Zinedine Soualem, Renée Le Calm, Olivier Py, Arapimou
Format : PAL, Subtitled, Widescreen
Binding : VHS Tape
EAN : 5024165701881
Number of Discs : 1
Product Group : Video
Release Date : 1997-04-28
Running Time : 87minutes
Studio : Artificial Eye

ASIN : B00004CU29

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Customer Reviews

A Study in Realism. (2000-07-10)

This is another study in realism from Cedric Klapisch, so real that it is impossible to say where the script ends and the fly-on-the-wall documentary takes over.The film traces a few days in the life of Chloe, a timorous, lonely, gawky young woman with soulful eyes, as she searches for her lost cat. The cat means a lot to her; it is the only thing in her life she has to love; whilst, at the same time, like all girls, she is yearning for something more; the love of a good man.

Chloe is played by Garance Clavel who gives a very endearing performance; you feel for her; you want to love and protect her. Are all those men out there so blind that they cannot see what a treasure she is? One does, and follows her around and will do anything for her, almost to the point of sacrificing his life for her. But he is only a poor brain-damaged young man and not able to inspire love in the heart of any woman. Chloe likes him and is kind to him but that is all. She, after many experiences along the way, eventually finds love and her cat, but he, poor man, will end his life alone. As he says at the end, when he witnesses Chloe's new found happiness; "Life is not fair." You can say that again.

This is a film about loneliness; loneliness in the poor inner-cities, where there is no sense of community and everyone is forced to live their lives in isolation, cut of from others and without any real friends. This is why so many people in the neighbourhood, hitherto complete strangers, are so willing to come together to search for Chloe's cat - because they are lonely and long for the company of others. And there are specific illustrations; the old woman who phones Chloe ostensibly to give her news about her cat, but who has no news; she just wants to talk to someone, to hear the sound of a human voice. And the lesbian barmaid who, when she makes a pass at Chloe and is rejected, walks off into the night with bowed head. And Chloe, who, in her desperation and misery, tries to seduce her homosexual flat-mate and fails.

It is a sad film but, thankfully, with a happy ending - for Chloe anyway. The French always have good endings to their films. In this case we see Chloe running joyfully, elated and full of energy, the whole length of the street. And she is still running when the film ends.

Delightful tale from the heart of the quartier Bastille. (2000-05-24)

This is a charming tale about life, love and loneliness in the city. The story is simple : Chloe's cat goes missing, and she sets out to find him - with a little help from the residents of the quartier. The characters are simply wonderful, and the film is full of warmth and humanity. It is also an essay about life in Paris. With splendid performances all round, this is one to watch again and again.

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