Time Out [2002] - Region 2 DVD

Aurélien Récoing is persuasively understated in the lead role, conveying a myriad of emotions with his subtle facial gestures. Karin Viard is sympathetic as the trusting Muriel, ready to offer support even when the web of lies has all but unravelled, and there's an engaging contribution from Serge Livrozet--the adept black marketeer sincere in his willingness to help.

Laurent Cantet's direction is a fine example of less is more, sustaining the film with relative ease over 129 minutes. Pierre Milon's camerawork makes the most of some stunning scenery on the Franco-Swiss border and Jocelyn Pook's spare but brooding score is a discreetly effective enhancement. As the closing scene ties up loose ends with a neatly barbed irony, you're left in little doubt that Vincent's problems are about to start again. --Richard Whitehouse