Michael Haneke's "Amour" is difficult to watch but that doesn't detract from its greatness. It is about an elderly, married couple and their struggles in dealing with getting old and the prospect of dying. The film stars French film legends Jean-Louis Trintingnant and Emmanuelle Riva as the couple, Georges and Eva. One day Eva is not responding and unable to communicate: she has a long blank moment at the breakfast table that seems to indicate a stroke. Her condition worsens over time and the course of the film and Georges is faced with the ordeal of taking care of her in her increasingly helpless state.
The film is leisurely in its pace: you have to be patient with this film. The film mostly takes place in the couple's apartment and the scenes between the two are compelling and riveting. There is a very realistic feel to the circumstances and relationship. The story takes place over a set period of time, but you get the sense that these two have really been married for many years and that their emotions and reactions are appropriate to the characters in a realistic manner.
"Amour" doesn't yield to typical viewer expectations and thwarts the ideal "Hollywood" story-line structure and linearity. There is an ominous but beautiful nature of the set and art direction. There are scenes which are rife with symbolism and mystery. At one point, Georges has a dream that is Jungian and creepy. Then there is the scene with the pigeons who fly in from open windows.
The film is a tragic tale and is somewhat unsettling but it stays with you afterwards and is a rewarding cinematic experience.
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