Angel - 32nd HKIFF

A rather disappointing film from the once favour son of French contemporary cinema, François Ozon. His first all English film (perhaps The swimming pool can be considered the first one although that one had quite a few french dialogue in it). This is an adaption from a book by Elizabeth Taylor. A story about how an ambitious yet talented girl, played by Romola Garai (who looks completely different from the very reserved role in Atonement) had turned herself from a small town girl into a very successful novelist in the early 20th Century. The film suffered from the fact that it was trying too hard to be cheesy and old fashioned. It was anything but cute/cult. The main character was not very likable to start with and the audience almost feel no sympathy as things turned sour for her. The story could be panned out as a female version of citizen kane but it turned out anything but that. The minor role played by Charlotte Rampling was probably only welcome relief.