Beautifully-photographed on 35mm, “Coup De Grace” is
a mannered, sometimes esoteric, deliberately-paced drama
about a woman at a crossroads in her life.
Opera singer Alicia (Lucy Rayner) wants nothing more
than to be admitted to the prestigious Paris
Conservatory. Her passion, however, is stunted by
depression stemming from multiple sources including a
loveless relationship with a documentary filmmaker and a
fear that she will succumb to the same madness that
gripped her father and drove him to suicide.
Then,
without warning, she meets Grace (Bianca Giancoli), a
mysterious, carefree blonde who brings new excitement to
her life. Grace awakens Alicia’s passion in more ways
than one, leading her to take chances in her career and
her sexuality. But Grace’s past catches up with her in
the form of a psychotic ex-boyfriend, which ensnares
Alicia as well.
Written, directed and edited by Edward G. Norris, “Coup
De Grace” feels like a modern day entry of the French
New Wave, with dreamlike imagery, sometimes startling
photography, a lyrical score (courtesy of Luis Ascanio)
and an open-ended storyline designed to make the viewer
question Alicia’s version of reality. Mainstream
audiences are likely to be disappointed by the film’s
leisurely pace and enigmatic ending, but fans of mood
and character study will be more than satisfied.
The film’s independent veneer shows through on occasion,
which is to be expected. At times, the acting is lacking
(particularly on the part of Oliver Martin, who plays
the slimy ex-Marine, Jerry). Rayner’s and Giancoli’s
performances more than compensate—and indie movie fans
will delight in a cameo appearance by Debbie Rochon as
the owner of an antique store. In all, patient viewers
will find the experience very rewarding.
Mike
Watt, Film Threat |
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Coup de
Grace -
Edward G. Norris' second feature film
explores the fragile state of an aspiring
opera singer trapped in a loveless
relationship. The singer soon finds herself
caught in a web of lust and intrigue when
she encounters a femme fatale who unveils
her suppressed tendencies.
Visit the film site
for further info. |
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COUP
DE GRACE marks Edward G. Norris' second
feature length film. After attending Parsons
School of Design in New York where he
studied film and photography, Edward
completed a series of short films which
focused on neurosis, infidelity and death.
He found his ultimate inspiration in the
works of 19th century French writer Guy de
Maupassant, which inspired his first
feature, DEATH DEFYING ACTS. After
being nominated for an Emmy, Edward worked
as a film editor on several prestigious
projects. He re-edited the feature length
documentary ORSON WELLES: THE ONE MAN
BAND as well as Peter Bogdanovich's
THE CAT'S MEOW. Edward's next picture,
HOLLYWOOD HEROINE, is about the
troubled life of a famous Hollywood star who
left Paramount in the 1940s for New York
where she drank herself to a slow death.