Nelly and Mr Arnaud is an in-depth character study of two people at a crucial moment in their lives. Nelly (Emmanuelle Beart) is a young woman whose marriage is on the rocks. The much older Mr Arnaud (veteran actor Michel Serrault), is a wealthy retired judge who lives alone.

When Nelly accidentally meets Mr Arnaud, he guesses she is having financial difficulties and volunteers to help. Instead, Nelly accepts to work as his private secretary. But just as the intensity of their bond seems to reach its peak, he decides to break everything off.

Sautet has beautifully brought to life the fine script he co-wrote. Serrault gives an extraordinary performance, conveying in a few words or gestures the loneliness of the man and his probable lust for the young woman.

Sautet is one of the most consistent French directors of the past two decades and is gradually becoming something of a French Ozu or Dreyer, although he has maintained his own stylistic idiosyncrasies. Nelly has the universal qualities that will guarantee it solid audiences abroad.

Philippe J. Maarek, FIPRESCI

Prod co: Films Alain Sarde, TF1 Film Production, Cecchi Gori Group Tiger Cinematographica (Italy), Prokino Filmproduktion Gmbh (Germany), Canal Plus (France)

Dir: Claude Sautet

Scr: Claude Sautet, Jaques Fieschi, with the collaboration of Yves Ullman

Ph: Jean-Francois Robin

Music: Philippe Sarde

Prod des: Carlos Conti

Costumes: Corinne Jorry

Ed: Jacqueline Thiedot

Cast: Emmanuelle Beart, Michel Serrault, Jean-Hugues Anglade, Claire Nadeau

Running time: 106 mins

Int sales: Alain Vannier

Screening: 26 June, 22.00, French Institute

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