Suzanne(Suzanne Lindon) is bored with her friends, her routine and all people her age. She is a sixteen-year-old student who would rather curl up with a book than go out with her sister Marie (Rebecca Marder) or do something with her parents. Her only area of interest is a much older man Raphael (Arnaud Valois) who is performing in the play in the town square. He smiles when he sees her staring at him from a distance on her way to go to school. They strike up a conversation when she is hanging around at the side of the theatre. Raphael is also bored. He doesn't know how to act anymore, does not like the directors' stage direction, and only finds joy in the music of the production so doesn't mind the attention.
Lindon wrote directed and stars in the film. much. But it's behind the camera and her imaginative script where she excels. She creates a brilliant coordinated sequence where Raphael passes over his headphones for Suzanne to listen to music from the play. The pair sitting side by side at café tables begin synchronized movements as Suzanne closes her eyes to absorb the piece. The story she tells is a simple one. A High School girl falls for a guy twice her age.
Suzanne begins to pay more attention to appearance, makeup, hair and even going as far as to ask her dad if he prefers women in skirts' or pants. When the two of them are together they are happy to be in each other's presence. Affection consists of gases, hand-holding or a kiss on the neck. Suzanne won't even get on the back of Raphael's scooter forcing him to walk pushing it beside her as they tour around town.
Spring Blossom is the story of a girls first foray into the world of romance. She awkward, unsure shy and quiet. Suzanne and Raphael are both present when they spend time together. They are interested in what each other has to say and their respective likes and thoughts. Lindon is omniscient in this work not taking the story along any expected or obvious path. It's an undertaking from a first time artist that's worthy of the viewer's attention sparking anticipation this new talent's next project.
*** Out of 4.
Spring Blossom | Suzanne Lindon | France | 2020 | 73 Minutes.
Tags; Boredom, Melancholy, Fantasy, Routine, Theatre, Paris, Montmartre, Rehearsal, Café, VIAN, Grenadine & Lemonade, Red Scooter, Strawberry Jam & Toast
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