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Amateur (1994)

A review by Neil P. Chue Hong.
Copyright © Movie Reviews UK 1997
A man with no memory but a sordid past, an ex-nun who writes pornography and "the most notorious porno actress in the world" bounce off each other in Hartley's typically quirky film about love, identity and accountants in New York.

Hartley's unique style of direction allows such implausible characters to exist seamlessly along with the ordinary denizens of America although it does seem that nobody in new York is completely normal.

Ex-nun, nymphomaniac and virgin Isabelle (she's "choosy") shelters amnesiac Thomas who has been dumped out of a window by wife Sofia after threatening her. He's been trying to blackmail a Mr. Big and now there's two hit-men on his tail.

Each character in Hartley's film is lovingly described and each has their own strange quirks. Acting all round is excellent with strong performances from Isabelle Huppert and Elina Lowensohn as the two females.

In this film, you never quite know what's going to happen next and in the midst of normal everyday situations Hartley's characters come bursting in, shattering the calm. Nobody handles this type of film better than Hartley although, to be fair, those unacquainted with his work may feel the film is contrived and the characters silly. But to the Hartley fan, this is another impressive work to add to his list.

Neil P. Chue Hong.
npch@tardis.ed.ac.uk

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