Who You Think I Am - Film Review

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Self-creation is the 20th century's religion. Self-confusion and self-deception are inevitable side effects in this game. The internet makes it so easy to appear as we want. It can also reveal too much to a world of strangers. So how do we know who anyone is anymore? This is the subject of Who You Think I Am.

Not for the action lover and not a film you saunter in late too. I also don't recommend the choc top or chip purchase, it will be a painfully tense battle to not let your crackling packaging take centre stage against a soundtrack of silence and intense French dialogue. It is an undue distraction from the concentration this film deserves.

Juliette Binoche delivers another mesmerising and powerful performance. Like all her roles, the character is developed to a deep level. This film explores the parameters of a lie and it leaves the audience with many questions. Questions as to the lengths we might take to keep a grasp on fleeting youth and how far imagination can take us in, weaving the story we want to hear.

This film is filled with French passion and ends in a grey area of ambiguity (as many French films do, as such is life.) The sentiment is very much in that the stories of our lives are in our own hands. So what then is our responsibility to others?

Claire is a character you warm to, although following her actions to the extent of their conclusion is a fascinating journey into the heart of obsession. The twists are artfully weaved and you are compelled to keep watching to see where events can possibly end. All this is through the power of Juliette Binoche's performance. Juliette Binoche's characterisation of the addict is so compelling that we hang on each breath of her self justification. None of this film is too far from the truth and this is its art. The understated tone and silent soundtrack make each confession hang that more heavily in the air.

The film addresses timely considerations such as the plight of ageing and the puzzle of finding a modern connection. You only need the net plugged in to bring a whole universe of strangers into your virtual sphere. At our fingertips is a possibility and it can be an addiction as strong as gambling.

See this film if you value the ageless nature of identity not defined by looks.



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