L’enfant

Words by Nick Pannu, CJSF Radio 90.1 FM

Belgium brothers Jean and Luc Dardenne collaborate on their latest venture writing and directing, L'enfant. Nick Pannu reviews...

An effort is made to create something meaningful as well as entertaining. Yet, often there are scenes that seem too subjective with no implied symbolism or enriching substance of plot. The setting of the film is in the brother's hometown of Seraing, Belgium. It seems to an extent that the Dardennes have incorporated their youthful experiences from that town into the film. Nonetheless, towards the end one character's calamity and eventual redemption manages^to ellipse the self-indulging nostalgia elements that the Dardennes inject seemingly to amuse themselves earlier on in the film.

Immediately after the opening credits scroll off the screen, a distraught teenage mother, Sonia, is shown desperately seeking out her estranged boyfriend, Bruno. Her turmoil is short lived and eventually she is able to locate him. No time is wasted in disclosing Bruno's lack of ethics. He manages to momentarily give a mere glance at his infant child with no genuine paternal conviction. As well, Bruno panhandles and steals in order to sustain his downtrodden living quarters under a bridge.
In spite of Bruno's many shortcomings, Sonia's naive disposition allows her to maintain faith that he will change and be a provider for her and their child. The Dardenne brothers strategically keep the audience engaged by not entirely divulging Bruno's character. Shortly after his girlfriend and child arrive, Bruno takes the initiative to secure an apartment, buy required amenities and rent an expensive convertible for a family outing in the countryside. Not only is Sonia expecting that Bruno will change but the audience also anticipates that he will evolve. Eventually, Bruno shatters this false expectation when he sells the couple's baby on the black market.

Bruno manages to get the child back, but it's too late and Sonia severs ties with Bruno. Thus, void of essential resources, food and shelter, an ostracized Bruno is forced to evaluate his life. Succumbing to despair and turmoil inevitably makes Bruno's journey towards self realization and redemption possible.
As directors, the Dardennes are effective in evoking a realism that is never compromised by sensationalization which is typical of most commercial films. As well, the actors deliver a genuine and convincing performance. However, no real depth is established in the characters. With the bits of information given it is implied that Bruno's relationship with his mother and stepfather is not very good with Bruno being kicked out and left to fend for himself on the streets. This would explain his lack of paternal obligation towards his own child. As well, the character development of the child is lacking, there should have been more scenes focusing on the baby.

L'enfant is playing at Fifth Avenue Cinemas, 2110 BurrardSt, Vancouver Call 604-734-7469 for more information.