Issue 153

Review: The Beat that my Heart Skipped

26th February 2007

You'd be forgiven for casting this off as a run-of-the-mill French film, even though it is a remake of 1978 Harvey Keitel picture Fingers. The Paris-set chain-smoking characters brooding over resentments and infidelities could be picked out of a French film stereotype manual, but it is the complex make-up of charismatic lead Tom (Romain Duris) that really carries the piece and sustains the intrigue.

Portraying an edgy real estate agent with a severe lack of morals, Duris is racked by the piano-playing talent inherited from his mother while fighting the effects of his increasingly dependent Dad and self-destructive co-workers. The direction is unremarkable, but the intricate relationships that are forged between Tom and his peers - fellow estate agents, friend's wives, his piano tutor and father - all keep the story buzzing along as it slowly plods towards the climax of his audition for a prestigious agent of concert pianists.

At times it is hard to fully engage with, but the strength of the lead's performance is gripping and leaves you rolling your fingers along with his as he immerses himself in his true love of the piano while fighting his environment that seems intent on destroying him. Winner of Best Film Not in the English Language at 2006 BAFTAs. It's worth a watch if you really want to enjoy an intrinsic character study.

Rating: 3/5

Chris Sloley