Plot: What’s it about?
As she rides the train to work, Irene (Audrey Tautou) engages in some idle conversation with another passenger, thinking little of what it is said. But when this person informs her that horoscope claims she will find true love on this day, she does take some notice. It is just a horoscope after all however, so she prepares for her day at work, until the young man who was sitting across from her approaches. He reveals that he is the same sign and that perhaps he will also find true love, but once the train stops, the two go their separate directions. So it might look as though it was a chance encounter on the train, but as the day passes, a series of events begins to unfold, which could draw them together once again. Now the smallest of moments could impact their entire lives, which now bare little resemblance to what they used to be, thanks to broken hearts, full moons, lost jobs, stolen goods, and all sorts of other happenings. But it this all really destiny bringing the two of them together, or simply coincidence?
If you’ve seen very many romantic themed films that draw upon fate & coincidence, you’ve probably noticed how bad most of them are. Like the recent Serendipity, which plays as smoothly as a flat tire, but rest assured, good films in the genre do exist. One such picture is Happenstance, which takes on the notions of romance, fate, chaos, and destiny, but in a realistic, yet still magical approach. This sense of reality based fantasy comes not only from the well written material, but also from the performances, which are terrific across the board. Most will instantly recognize Audrey Tautou from the hit film Amelie, but she is not alone in this film, instead surrounded by gifted workers who turn in memorable efforts. I do think the film sometimes tries to be deeper than it is, but that is offset by well executed moments of humor, so Happenstance never takes itself too seriously, nor becomes a farce, a perfect balance of sorts. I found this to be a memorable, even magical picture and even to those usually not interested in romantic themed cinema, Happenstance is one you should look into, it is simply that enchanting.
Her career in feature films is just a few years underway, but already Audrey Tautou has gained the reputation of a reliable, effective performer. This is due to a string of popular, well played roles that she has landed, though most have been the same kind of character, but even so, Tautou has shown she has true talent. She is best known at this time for her wonderful turn in Amelie, in which she pushed cuteness and brightness to the limit, but in Happenstance, she is just as magical and fun to watch. Although this film was released here in the U.S. after Amelie’s success, it was made before that film and in Happenstance, you can see shades of Amelie, without question. I think Tautou is terrific in this movie and really deserves all of her newfound fame, I hope she finds more suitable roles very soon. Other films with Tautou include Venus Beauty Institute, The Little Grifters, Dirty Pretty Things, and The Libertine. The cast also includes Faudel (The Freelancers, Jesus), Eric Savin (I Hate Love, The Color of Lies), and Irene Ismailoff.
Video: How does it look?
Happenstance is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. I was quite pleased with this visual effort, especially since New Yorker was able to include anamorphic enhancement, which makes a lot of difference. The image is crisp and clean, with no serious print flaws to be seen and on the whole, this is a wonderful presentation. The colors have a natural scheme, but still come through in bright form, while flesh tones are normal as well. No problems on the contrast side either, as black levels are refined and stark at all times. I figured this would be a solid transfer, but New Yorker has done some top notch work here.
Audio: How does it sound?
The original French soundtrack is preserved via a solid, more than acceptable stereo audio treatment. I do wish some scenes were a little more dynamic, but all things considered, the material is well handled by this track. The music and sound effects come through well, but never show much range, though the material never demands it, so I can’t complain too much. No issues with dialogue however, as vocals remain clean, crisp, and at a proper volume balanced from start to finish, a more than solid audio treatment. This disc also includes English subtitles, in case you’ll need those to enhance the experience. You can choose to enable optional English subtitles also, in case you don’t speak French.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes the film’s theatrical trailer.
