This is a film of love, loss and Belgian bluegrass — not exactly a frequent combination in any genre, let alone foreign dramas.
Starring Veerle Baetens, Johan Heidenbergh. Directed by Felix Van Groeningen. There’s more here than just those three components however. There’s also a story told in ways that break convention and will leave audiences with more than just country tunes on their minds.
Equal parts joy and sorrow, 'Broken Circle Breakdown' tells the tale of Elise and Didier (Baetens and Heidenbergh) and their ever-changing journey together. This complexity is heightened by the film’s non-linear structure — the viewer is thrown back and forth through time to different stages of the couple’s relationship from first meetings to weddings and well beyond.
Aside from the changing dynamic of the couple’s relationship, director Felix Van Groeningen punctuates the film with two main elements — the irresistible American-style country band that both characters perform in, and their cancer-stricken daughter Maybelle. Both contribute to the emotional rollercoaster that drives the story; an uplifting, energetic banjo performance can cut to a harrowing chemotherapy consultation without warning. Filled with melodrama, the story’s progression heads gradually downhill towards some crushing scenes in the final act, but the irregular structure means that a musical respite is never too far away to prevent the mood from drawing too close to ‘utter devastation’.
While its rearranged plot-line is an excellent convention, 'Broken Circle Breakdown' is defined by the soundtrack. The collection of bluegrass songs — a mix of original pieces and well-chosen classics — not only serves as the film’s emotional compass, but provides a much-needed dose of comfort and humanity to Groeningen’s tale. The music is performed by Baetens and Heidenbergh themselves, and fans of the concert scenes from 'Walk The Line' will find much of the same bittersweet tension in this compellingly broken story of life in all its forms.
4/5
'Broken Circle Breakdown' is in cinemas now.
