Mathieu Amalric

Arnaud Desplechin's domestic comedy-drama spins emotions like plates in a variety show.

Qualifies as a masterpiece of sensual cinema and poetic subjectivity.

The 22nd Bond film too often seems like an old friend on the wrong anti-depressant: still the person you love, but the rhythm's off and the precious moments fewer and further between.

In working to keep the audience off-center...Desplechin artfully makes the well-worn family-weekend plot endearing again.

Memorable moments come from its series of penetrating philosophical conversations... Dafoe expertly plays the keenness of Van Gogh's intellect and creativity against his searing drive, his raw emotions, and the haunting that was his depression.