Laurence Anyways (2013) Review

4.5/5

It is something of a miracle when a film that clocks in at 2 hours and 48 minutes and covers a 10 year span doesn't prompt an audience member to check the time even once, and that is exactly what I experienced with this work of art. It has a lone slow spot, and it is brief, and it is for that 10 minute stretch that this film is not a 5/5. It is damn close to perfect. Damn close.
There is a moment in the film where the air in the theater seemed to disappear and we were left staring at the screen as though it would be our only reprieve. When the tension released, we stayed captivated if not teetering on the brink of unconsciousness. A truly magical accomplishment.
The acting in the film is superb. Melvil Poupaud is a revelation as Laurence, a man who is not homosexual but wants to be a woman, having felt trapped in a man's body for the thirty-five years he has been alive. Suzanne Clement, astonishing, is the girlfriend that Laurence connects with on a deep personal level during this transformational phase. The way that these actors laugh, fight, and love is beyond acting: it is living. I have to admit that it is hard to praise these actors enough, and if they don't start finding more work and hopefully staying with the challenging and personal roles then I will have to hire them myself should I be in that position. In a just world, Oscar nominations would be in their future.
The talent behind the camera is just as intense. The cinematography, a healthy blend of handheld and static shots, is gorgeous. The way that landscape, light, and texture are used, along with very carefully planned shot selection that leads to a reveal of sometimes the most unexpected things is breathtaking. Truly inspiring. The direction and writing are professional as everything feels very real and bold. The editing is crisp and taut, keeping a level of suspense and constant conviction across this ambitious runtime.
Laurence Anyways isn't playing in very many theaters, but I encourage you to seek it out. I saw it at the Angelika in Manhattan. If you find yourself with three hours to spare, check it out. If you listen to me, then you should cancel what you are doing tomorrow and go.