Austin Film Society/WHITE MATERIAL

Tonight we return to AFS Essential Cinema Series DIRECTORS WITHOUT BORDERS.  The series began with Claire Denis' WHITE MATERIAL, a film (2009) that takes place in an unnamed African country and in the midst of a civil war.  Isabel Huppert  is beautiful and brilliant in the role of a coffee plantation owner unwilling and unable to face the loss of her home, the plantation and her identity.  Her refusal to experience the ever present  danger and threat to her and her family keeps the viewer riveted throughout.  The children soldiers, the reality of the hardship of laborers and the perpetual threat of violence creates a non-stop tension.  At the same time the cinematography is beautiful and throughout  I was very aware the filmmaker was a woman. I loved this film and recommend it.