26/05/2008

The Dardenne brothers no longer need any introduction, and yet their latest film is, in a sense, radically different from their previous works. The directors set down their camera, or rather, let it take a rest. In reference to Lorna’s Silence [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Arta Dobroshi
interview: Arta Dobroshi
interview: Jean-Pierre et Luc Dardenne
interview: Olivier Bronckart
film profile], they said: “We wanted to record rather than write with the camera”.

The subtle camerawork is used to observe the film’s heroine rather than mimic her movements. In perfect harmony with this new approach, the jury thus listened to the Dardenne brothers’ new work and were won over by the narrative, crowning it Best Screenplay.

The brothers had countered predictions of a third Palme d’Or by joking that the proverb “Never two without three” is for alcoholics. They nonetheless took home their sixth award, adding to a list of successes that includes the CICAE Award for The Promise, Best Actress for Rosetta (Emilie Dequenne), Best Actor for The Son [+see also:
trailer
film profile] (Olivier Gourmet), and Palme d’Ors for Rosetta and The Child [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Luc & Jean-Pierre Dardenne
film profile].

Lorna’s Silence will be released in France by Diaphana Films on September 10 and distributed domestically by Cineart.

(Translated from French)