I saw this nice little short film
Ma Dame Au Camelia (My Lady of hte Camellia)
Before you read the review of the short film, it is essential to know the interesting LOVEz story of Camellia.
This is a semi-autobiographical LOVE story written in nineteenth century (1852) by a wealthy 23 year old Alexandre Dumas about his love-affair with a couresian Marie Duplessis - who was considered, discreet, intelligent, well-read and witty. Their illicit relationship is opposed by Alex's father and Marie is sent away, where she dies of TB at 23 years of age. This novel has been adapted in different versions and made into more than 15 plays and 15 movies
With this back-ground coming back to this short film.
The casting director Selenna (Laurence Oltuski) and her assistant Betty (Ingrid Donnadieu) are auditioning young girls for the role of Camellia. Amidst all the girls who have come for auditioning one of them is Patricia (Edouard Montoute) - a middle aged transgender,.Patricia is kept waiting and not even called for an audition. Selenna outrightly rejects her for the role. Patricia persuades Selenna on the logic of modern interpretation of the story by casting a transgender as Camellia and thus hesistantly Betty records her audition, and secretly sent the footage to the Director of the movie. After Selennia shows the way out to Patricia for being unfit for the role - she receives a call from the Director who likes Patricia and wants to cast only her for the role.
This is a nice short light hearted movie - looking at modernity, prejudice, liberal values, human rights, interpretative literature style etc.
This movie is written, screenplayed, directed and acted by Edouard Montoute who plays Patricia in the movie. He is done a formidable job in his debut short - by not only conceptualizing an interesting premise but also being bold enough to act as transgender.
The other casts too have acted well.
The movie has been part of various film festivals and won a Special Jury mention award too.
I liked the movie - and it is 15 minute short - easy and light hearted to watch.
Have a go...!
I would go with 6.5 out of 10 for this short.
