Unlike so many Bertrand Tavernier films that deliver less than they promise, this chamber piece about an ill father’s last visit with his independent daughter (sort of a "sec" French ON GOLDEN POND), achieves its modest goals thanks largely thru Dirk Bogarde’s valedictory turn as a fading/weary sensual intellectual. Yet, the main interest lies not with Jane Birkin’s loving daughter, but in the snappish disdain between Bogarde & his bitter/insufferable wife, a chilling perf from Odette Laure. Bogarde had a lot more to work in him, assaying similar men in DESPAIR and DEATH IN VENICE or watching from the side as John Gielgud hit the same marks in PROVIDENCE. But in its modest way, it’s a classy farewell.
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