“Summer Hours” is an extremely melancholy drama about the death of a woman, and how it affects her immediate family. The film is beautifully realized and it has a rare emotional power.   

Most of the family members end up coming off as self interested and unreflective. It almost hurts to watch them callously consume her wealth as if they were a Thanksgiving turkey. 

The film will play at the Gene Siskel Center as part of the European film festival on Saturday, March 28 at 7:45 and Tuesday March 31 at 7:30. It is supposed to open nationally in May. 

The film is focused more on characterization than plot, and the acting is always understated yet ultra realistic. Most of the time they are reserved and dignified. 

The whole cast is convincing, but the performances of Michael Berling (as a son in mourning) and Juliette Binoche (as a practical but icy daughter) stand out.  Jeremie (Jermemie Renier) is fine as a piranha like son who exploits cheap Chinese labor. Edith Scob is extremely sympathetic and hits all the right notes as the mom. She received a Cesar (the French equivalent of an Oscar) for her brief but integral supporting performance. 

Helene (played by Scob) is a woman who knows she is dying who meets with her siblings for her birthday. She dispassionately discusses what will become of her property including a rare art collection (most of the pieces were done by her uncle who was a favorite artist) after her death.  

Francois (Michael Berling) does not want to divide up the estate or the family possessions because he wants to preserve links to his past. The other siblings are less hesitant to sell out and let go of the past. 

On some level the family seems to represent the new divided France which has been changed by globalization. 

Some people (especially audiences weaned on action film violence) will find the movie slow moving, but the film rewards movie goers who have a little patience. 

The movie ends up as a poignant commentary on the fragility of life, and how tradition is sometimes seen as dispensable by their families. One of the film’s themes is expressed in the old Dead Kennedy’s album title “Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death.” 

Seeing the film is not always pleasant experience, but it will touch anyone who has lost a loved one or even anyone who has merely thought about it.