Now on general release in France following a special screening at Cannes, Bruno Rolland’s first feature entitled LÉA is the portrait of a young woman walking a fine line between euphoria, disillusionment, excitement and humiliation but who, at the end of the day triumphs whilst maintaining her self-respect. It manages at one and the same time to deliver that very tricky combination – sex with dignity.
LÉA lives in provincial Le Havre but dreams of moving to Paris to study at the prestigious Institute d’Etudes Politiques. Success in her exams offers the opportunity. There is just one major dilemma. She has been looking after her grandmother who is now suffering from Alzheimer’s. She finds a decent old people’s home for her but can’t possibly afford the fees.
LÉA decides to become a stripper.
Produced by Nathalie Trafford with sophisticated and intimate photography by Dylan Doyle, LÉA features a phenomenal character portrayal by young actress Anne Azoulay in the title role, with powerful support from Ginette Garcin as the grandmother. It is a master class in direction from Rolland who extracts the most intense performances imaginable from each character. But apart from achieving a deeply emotional atmosphere, there is also much humour with some tremendous turns from a supporting cast of real quality.
Dir: Bruno Rolland, Prod: Nathalie Trafford.
Currently on general release in France, length 93mins.
© 2012, Paraiso Production Diffusion, Paris.
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