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TIME TO LEAVE Send This Review to a Friend
French writer-director François Ozon (“The Swimming Pool” and “Under the Sand”) has made another effective and involving film, this one about a young gay photographer, Romain, played with sensitivity and understanding by Melvil Paupaud, who is stricken with cancer and told he has a limited time to live. “Time to Leave” follows his life as he comes to terms with his fate.
There are clashes within his family, including anger lashed out by him at his sister, a breakup with his boyfriend and an encounter that gives him new purpose when he fulfills an odd request of him made by a waitress (Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi).
The great actress Jeanne Moreau makes an appearance as Laura, Romain’s grandmother, and Moreau once again shows what a profound impression she can make in what is a relatively small role.
In both his screenplay and with his direction, Ozon imbues the drama with detail and interesting locations. The story not only grasps our attention but indicates that how one lives one’s life, even if short, is of paramount importance and the key to finding meaning. Melodramatic flourishes are avoided, thereby allowing the film to remain pure and truthful.
One thing that is puzzling is why on earth the French title wasn’t translated directly from “Le Temps Qui Reste.” That means the time left. “Time to Leave” weakens and distorts the original. However, it is the result that counts more than a title, and on this score, the film is a welcome success. A Strand Releasing release.
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