Set in a small French village in the 1930s, Gilles’ Wife examines the gap between selfish desire and absolute devotion. Elisa is an adoring mother of two kids (with a third on the way) and a loyal wife: Not only does she cook and serve her husband’s meals, she even butters his bread. She suspects Gilles is cheating on her — with her sister, no less. Emmanuelle Devos plays Elisa with a sense of weariness that eventually turns to hopelessness. There isn’t much dialogue; husband and wife don’t say much — particularly to each other, which is telling. The film’s conclusion tragically solidifies its theme that love is ultimately uncontrollable.
Fri., June 2, 9 p.m.; Sat., June 3, 7 p.m.

This article appears in May 31 – Jun 6, 2006.