I really thought that the film was very well made. Not brilliant, not a masterpiece, just a good, stellar production. In fact, my opinion comes quite close to what you have described above (I think). F.Ardant has evolved into one of those actresses that simply grace any production they walk into. For example the rather weak Callas Forever (in my opinion) has some very similar elements with this film. Ardant does not impose her presence on the screen yet one could almost feel that without her Nathalie would have been a disaster.

Predictable? Yes I would agree, though I think that this is what makes this film a little better. I think not the end result but the way the story evolves (and the characters with it) is what makes Nathalie a rather pleasant experience.
So, why the negative reviews then? I think, and this is strictly my opinion, that many wanted Nathalie to be an art-film...which this production is most certainly not. It would be interesting to see what reviews the film will get in North America as I think that many will give it a "thumbs-up" just because of Beart and then there will be those that dismiss it based on some of the earlier comments I made above. I would give it two enthusiastic and recommend it to those that do not expect to see this year's main Oscar contender.

As to the DVD and the film presentation- SUPERB. Very well made disc certainly with a stylish look (which I happen to like quite a bit).


Pro-B

Here come the Brits....

http://www.dvdanswers.com/index.php?...5068&n=1&burl=

Pro-B