CinemaDave

A French film with English subtitles, **Mademoiselle Chambon** is currently screening locally. A piece of visual poetry, **Mademoiselle Chambon** is a César Award Winner for Best Adapted Screenplay. Based on a novel by Eric Holder, **Mademoiselle Chambon** has echoes with Clint Eastwood's **The Bridges of Madison County.**

Construction worker Jean (Vincent Lindon) lives a tranquil life with his wife and son. While attempting to decipher his son's homework, Jean meets the boy's homeroom teacher, Mademoiselle Chambon (Sandrine Kiberlain, Lindon’s former wife). It is a mutual attraction and both try to to keep their desires from turning into infidelity.

However, passion is expressed in numerous ways. Jean repairs Champon's window which creates better illumination. Champon replays the gesture introducing Jean to famous violin solos. This mutual attraction becomes obvious to Jean's family and neighbors.

**Mademoiselle Chambon** is a quiet film that grows on you. Both Vincent Lindon and Sandrine Kiberlain underplay their roles, which provides maximum vulnerability as the characters develop. The plot is simple about two uncommunicative people, but the creative use of hammers and violins makes **Mademoiselle Chambon**a thought provoking movie.