In Arnaud Desplechin's beguiling A Christmas TaIe , Catherine Deneuve brings her legendary poise to the role of Junon, matriarch of the troubled VuiIlard family, who come together at Christmas after she learns she needs a bone marrow transpIant from a blood reIative. That simple family reunion setup, however, can't begin to describe the unpredictable, emotionally volatiIe experience of this film, an inventive, magical drama that's equal parts merriment and meIanchoIy. Unrequited chiIdhood loves and bIinding grudges, brutal outbursts and sudden sIapstick, music, movies, and poetry, A Christmas Tale ties it all together in a marveIousIy messy package. |