Review: Stark 'Lorna's Silence' loses substance by adhering to style

The needy Claudy (Jeremie Renier) clings to Lorna (Arta Dobroshi) in 'Lorna's Silence.'

The needy Claudy (Jeremie Renier) clings to Lorna (Arta Dobroshi) in 'Lorna's Silence.'

“Lorna’s Silence” begins by dropping the audience in a moral abyss.

Lorna, an Albanian immigrant, has married Belgian junkie Claudy to gain Belgian citizenship. While Claudy believes the deal will end in a divorce and his gaining 5,000 Euros, Lorna knows that the real plan is for Claudy to have an overdose (either by his own hand or by the criminals who have orchestrated the deal), after which she will marry a Russian who will pay to marry Lorna in order to become a Belgian citizen as well.

In the 105 minutes that follow, we’re part of Lorna’s developing conscience. Can she save Claudy? How can she not help him as he tries to beat his addiction? And how much is she willing to risk?

It’s a cold and stark tale with Lorna (Arta Dobroshi) reluctant to admit to moments of warmth and even affection for the needy Claudy (Jérémie Renier). Dobroshi does a terrific job at displaying Lorna’s subtle changes — especially considering the limitations put on her by Belgian writer/director siblings Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne. The two present “Lorna’s Silence” in a style that allows for no flashbacks or out-of-sequence moments, no background information and no scenes in which the primary character is not present. There is also no music to manipulate your emotions and reactions.

But while the Dardennes might consider this a more honest form of storytelling, it’s actually just more pretentious. In order to frame Lorna’s story, the filmmakers leave out scenes that surely would be essential parts of the tale if Lorna herself were telling it. When a significant character in the story dies, instead of witnessing Lorna’s initial reaction, we’re flash-forwarded a day or two later. In fact, throughout the film, we’re aware that all the characters know more about situations than we do. Is it more like real life? Maybe, but it feels like the filmmakers simply made choices to keep us at a distance. Moments of tension and suspense are purposely diluted — keeping us detached up to the final scene.

What keeps you interested in “Lorna’s Silence” is a thought-provoking plot and fine acting. Were the Dardennes just a little more interested in involving the audience than promoting technique, it might have been a great film.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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