Reel Critic

Vincent Novack

The movie industry seems to ignore the adult audience most of the

time. Particularly in summer, studios churn out special effects-laden

films aimed squarely at the school-age crowd. After having viewed my

share of toilet humor and mindless action this summer, “Innocence”

reminds me there really are movies worth seeing.

Directed by Paul Cox, “Innocence” is the story of two people who were

lovers as teenagers in Belgium. After nearly 50 years, they rediscover

each other, both living in Australia.

Claire (Julia Blake) has been long married to John (Terry Norris).

Their relationship is comfortable and safe, but without passion for many

years. They are both essentially “riding it out.” Andreas (Charles “Bud”

Tingwell) is a retired music teacher and a widower for nearly three

decades. Both have children and a circle of friends and acquaintances

that consider Claire and Andreas long past being unpredictable.

Receiving a letter from Andreas, Claire agrees to meet for tea. After

a bit of initial awkwardness, they soon realize the old feelings are very

much alive and they never stopped loving one another.

The notion of two people in their late 60s being in love is rather

novel in today’s cinema. But what makes this story truly unique is that

Claire and Andreas’ love affair is not some trivialized sentimental

caricature. Rather it is mad, passionate, demanding and all consuming.

The entire cast is excellent and the story is more believable due to

the absence of faces familiar to American audiences. Blake is still

radiantly beautiful in her mid-60s and Tingwell portrays Andreas as

sensitive, artistic and very masculine. Norris is especially good in the

difficult role of the cuckold and does not come across as hateful or

deserving of his wife’s unfaithfulness.

The locales, costumes and sets all look perfect and very true to life.

The beautiful score (by Paul Grabowsky) enhances a thoroughly enjoyable

experience. As the ever more engrossing script unfolds, the characters

become increasingly vivid, likable and believable. This is mature

entertainment in the best sense of the term.

“Innocence” is not showing on every corner and must be sought out. It

is certainly worth the effort. I recommend seeing it with someone you

deeply love, preferably someone with whom you plan to grow old.* VINCENT

A. (VAN) NOVACK, 48, is the director of institutional research at Cal

State Long Beach.