Tale of obsession

Press, 17 April 1978, Page 12

Tale of obsession

The Story of Adele H., CARLTON, GA “What a waste of time,’’ was one of the comments I heard after the Saturday evening screening of “Adele,” and although I don’t agree with the statement I understand the sentiment.

Francois Truffaut, the director, said he chose to make the film because he was fascinated with the idea of Adele's passionate, singleminded pursuit of her for? mer lover.

The true story of Adele Hugo, daughter of Victor Hugo — “the most famous man in the world” as one of the characters says — with petty deceptions on the part of Adele as she follows an English lieutenant to Nova Scotia. The soldier does not want her love and tries to persuade her to return to her family but her love has become an obsession. Finally she goes mad.

Most of the film deals with the daily life of Adele as she writes her journal or schemes to see her lover, and as most of the “action” is taking place in her head the events on screen are, on the face of it, boring. But Truffaut seems unwilling to twist the known facts of the story to make better cinema and we must accept that he has been honest in his efforts. Isabelle Adjani, who plays! Adele, has to carry almost’ all the film on her own:i most of the other characters ! are only sketched. She hasthe power to hold the film I together and her final lapse! into despair and madness is I very moving indeed. I found the film satisfying : and interesting but I would: hesitate to recommend it as I pure entertainment. — RUSSEL JONES 1