Arnaud Desplechin – ALLIANCE OF WOMEN FILM JOURNALISTS

TWO PIANOS – Review by Lois Alter Mark

April 22, 2026April 26, 2026 Lois Alter Mark Arnaud Desplechin, charlotte rampling, François Civil, Two Pianos

Like the best musical compositions, Arnaud Desplechin’s Two Pianos takes viewers on a wild emotional ride. There are high notes and low notes and enough unexpected shifts in tempo to strike a chord. Mathias (Francois Civil), a concert pianist who has spent the last few years teaching abroad, returns to Lyon after being summoned by his former mentor, the highly celebrated piano virtuoso, Elena (Charlotte Rampling). She wants (more like demands) him to perform with her in what she considers a win-win: he can revive his career while helping her gently retire from hers.

Reviews

DECEPTION – Review by Joan Amenn

May 9, 2022May 14, 2022 Joan Amenn Arnaud Desplechin, Deception, Denis Podalydès, french films, lea seydoux, Philip Roth

It helps, but is not mandatory, to know something about the work of author Philip Roth when viewing this adaptation of his novel, Deception. The book is mostly dialog between its two main characters so any attempt at translating it to film is a daring project. Director Arnaud Desplechin takes it on with a strong sense of the rhythmic nature of the give and take between the two lovers that make up the plot. However, the underlying themes of self-loathing and obsession bog down the story, making it feel stifling and static at times.