Cache (Hidden)


Synopsis
Disturbing videotapes sent from an unknown source slowly tear apart a middle-class Parisian family. (R, 2005)


Observations
I have often heard the complaint that Americans want our movie plots spoon-fed to us. I sometimes have the converse of that complaint about French cinema – sometimes it’s just too damn obscure. Cache is a well-acted, suspenseful, unique and interesting drama. But there are so many loose ends, I felt like hiding under the sofa. There’s a great “OH MY GOD, WOW” scene and many textures and layers and dynamics. But there were so many points where the film was reveling in it’s obscurity a little too much for my liking. It’s hard to get a read on any of the characters and therefore difficult to be sympathetic.

While the movie questions how responsible we are for small transgressions made at a young age, it is also a study in the psychology of grudges. Perhaps the politics of the film would be clearer to a Parisian, but I would have liked a little more exposition. Overall, this could have been a great film, but it ended up just ok.

Watch the entire final scene (behind the credits). Some people swear that it brings the whole story together… I would argue it introduces even more confusion. What do you think??

Rating:
Amazon's entry for Cache