Gabrielle is a film about a developmentally challenged young woman's desire to be free, to be independent and that includes the right to sexual freedom and to live on her own.
Gabrielle (Gabrielle Marion-Rivard who is in fact
developmentally challenged) lives in a group home and sings in a choir for
developmentally challenged adults. She is in love with Martin (Alexandre Landry) and the couple are attracted to each other physically and emotionally.
Gabrielle's sister Sophie (Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin) is on the cusp of seeking
her own independence and will soon leave for India to join her partner but
fears the effect that this will have on Gabrielle. There is a mother on the
scene but she is somewhat removed from Gabrielle's life. The responsibility
rests with Sophie.
The film raises some thorny issues about the rights of the
disabled to engage in sexual activity with other consenting adults - should
precautions be taken? Is this fair to the individual to impose birth control
means? How far should her independence extend? What is society's responsibility
in this issue?
When Martin's mother asks if Gabrielle is "fixed",
Sophie ferociously asks if Martin has had a vasectomy. Why Gabrielle but not
Martin she wants to know? But, sadly, the repercussions for Gabrielle are more
dire, of great consequence, and the filmmaker eludes that thorny issue instead
focusing on the lovely and touching relationship between the two. You can see the chemistry between the two here.
Marion-Rivard is joyous in the role, exuding a gentle
radiance that is impossible to dislike. Landry, an actor who does not have a disability,
is convincing, utterly charming, in this role. The audience roots for the two lovers but one
cannot but walk away with the anxieties that Martin's mother expressed: what
will become of the two if left to their own devices and wishes? What is best for them?
I think I disappointed my filmgoing friend with my hesitant response after the film ... I just kept thinking how I would handle this as a mother of a developmentally challenged young adult (boring, I know, but the issue needled me). The answer is not easy and I think the filmmaker skirted it by presenting the two as sort of star-crossed lovers whose rights were being trampled. It's more complicated than that and I think the director knows that. |
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Wednesday, September 11, 2013
TIFF 2013: Gabrielle
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