Wine Country Film Festival

"Intimate Strangers" by acclaimed French director Patrice Leconte, is a provocative love story masked in the guise of a suspense thriller - perfect viewing for any Friday the 13th. The film plays Friday April 13th at 7pm at Jack London Village, 14301 Arnold Drive in Glen Ellen. Follow the signs to the upstairs movie venue.

Leconte calls his film a "sentimental thriller," a term that captures its Hitchcockian ambience of mystery, dread, and suspense, coupled with the unconventional meshing of two damaged people. His film is a bravura display of filmmaking, integrating camera work, pacing, and music transforming the well-used theme of "mistaken identity" into an emotionally grabbing journey into the depths of human relationships and shows just how intimate strangers can be.

It's all about what happens when you open the wrong door -- or, more broadly considered, venture out from your snug, secure burrow to embrace life's fearful chanciness.  Seeking help from a psychiatrist, a troubled young woman Anna played by Sandrine Bonnaire mistakenly opens the door down the hall of tax consultant William Faber played by Fabrice Lucchini and immediately starts spilling her marital problems. The fascinated, milquetoasty

Faber doesn't have the guts to tell her he's not actually a pschiatrist.

Continuing their "appointments", Anna and Faber create a strange ritual. When it's clear she's no longer fooled by their little game, her agenda turns murkier -- is she using him to get back with her husband? The smitten Faber is in over his head, and the film could veer dangerously in any direction.

Movies in Glen Ellen is a monthly film series sponsored by the Napa Sonoma Wine Country Film Festival . There will be a 6PM Social. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Admission to the movie is free. The film is rated R for sexual dialogue. The film won Napa Sonoma Wine Country Film Festival 's Best of the Fest in 2004.

Reservations are recommended. Call 935-3456 to reserve a seat.