Feature film
The Lacemaker
La Dentellière
Claude Goretta · 1977
Synopsis
Béatrice, known as Pomme, a shy young woman from a modest background, works in a Paris hair salon with her friend Marylène. The two go on holiday to Cabourg, where Marylène soon leaves her alone to follow a man. There Pomme meets François, a reserved student. Back in Paris, she moves into his room. He introduces her to his fellow students, then to his well-off family, and she struggles to find her place among these people who talk a great deal, she who talks so little.
Context
It comes from the book by Pascal Lainé, awarded the Goncourt in 1974, and the writer co-signed the screenplay with the filmmaker. Yves Gasser produced it with Lise Fayolle, between Citel Films of Geneva, Action Films and FR3 in Paris; Jean Boffety did the cinematography, Pierre Jansen the music and Joële Van Effenterre the editing. Isabelle Huppert plays Pomme, Yves Beneyton François and Florence Giorgetti Marylène. Gaumont distributed it, and it was released on 25 May 1977.
Who it is for
A little under two hours. It helps to know that the heroine barely speaks, and that what is at stake comes through what she does not say rather than through the dialogue.
Prizes and reception
Ecumenical Jury Prize at Cannes in 1977, and the British Academy's award for most promising newcomer for Isabelle Huppert.