UNBROKEN CIRCLE // A FILM REVIEW OF "THE BROKEN CIRCLE BREAKDOWN"
(review originally posted from the "Tribeca Film Festival" review 3/23/2013")
The harrowing and powerful The Broken Circle Breakdown is based on the play of the same name by Johan Heldenbergh and Mieke Dubbels. It follows the love story of Elise (Veerle Baetens) and Didier (Johan Heldenbergh). She’s a local tattoo artist and he plays Banjo in an American Bluegrass band. They fall for each other instantly and Elise gives birth to a daughter Maybelle. But their lives take many unexpected twists and turns, as tragedy often interrupts their romance. Shot out of order, Director Felix van Groeningen presents one hell of a romantic tale here that will have you swoon with romantic longings, break your heart with tragedy, and have you tapping your foot to the amazing music (and eventually your finger as you download the soundtrack right after).
Baetens showcases amazing range as Elise, a woman who has her head firmly in reality but embraces her whimsical side as well. She’s also open to faith, something her love is not (his problems with religion are just the tip of the iceberg with him). Her presence is striking; sleek blonde hair, tattoos covering her body, and a sweet singing voice that goes down like honey. She keeps you on her side, cheering for her successes as well as cringing at her failures. Heldenbergh is wonderful too, giving a subtle, gentle giant feel to the banjo playing, love sick fella. He wears a scraggly beard and dances around the hospital when his daughter is born. He falls instantly for her (and she for him) and the love seeps out of the characterization. So it’s all the more frightening when he explodes with anger and frustration towards the latter half of the film. His singing voice is gentle and loving, and both actors show a true affection and dedication towards each other. Complementing the duo with tenderness is young actress Nell Cattrysse as their daughter Maybelle. Her sweetness and innocence sparkles the scenes around her, and she breaks your heart seven ways before the end. Bring an entire box of tissues and be prepared to have your socks knocked off, because that’s what this breakdown will do.
MATEO'S GRADE: A+
Based on the play by Written by Johan Heldenbergh and Mieke Dubbels Screenplay by Carl Joos, Felix van Groeningen Directed by Felix van Groeningen Starring Veerie Baetens, Johan Heldenbergh, Neil Cattrysse, Geert Van Rampelberg, Nills De Caster, Robby Cleiren Language: In Dutch & English with subtitles Rated R (Adult Situations, Adult Language, Nudity) Now playing in limited release
BOTTOM LINE: A breathtaking, heartbreaking drama with glorious music to make it all go down better.