Arnaud Desplechin Discovers the Sound in U.S. Trailer for Two Pianos

      It has been a while since a film by the acclaimed Arnaud Desplechin has been shown in U.S. theaters, but that will change this May with the release of Two Pianos by Kino Lorber. Featuring François Civil, Nadia Tereszkiewicz, and Charlotte Rampling, the film, which was part of the TIFF and Rendez-Vous with French Cinema selections, is set to hit theaters on May 1, and a new trailer and poster have now been released.

      The synopsis reads: “Pianist Mathias (François Civil) comes back to Lyon after spending years teaching and performing in Japan. He is called back to perform a duet with his former teacher Elena (Charlotte Rampling) during her final concerts, a reunion that proves to be less challenging than encountering his charming yet unpredictable ex, Claude (Nadia Tereszkiewicz). Civil, who rigorously trained to perform Bach himself on screen, stands out as a fitting partner for the legendary and often commanding Rampling. The themes of emotionally charged homecomings and the unexpected reunions they may bring—both romantic and otherwise—are frequently explored in Desplechin's films, and he presents this thematic material in his signature vivid style against a city he has never before depicted on film.”

      C.J. Prince noted in his TIFF review, “The past makes its presence felt in Two Pianos, Arnaud Desplechin’s new film that delves into how attractive individuals can complicate the already tangled mess of life. Set in the realm of classical music in Lyon, this story about a troubled pianist reconnecting with his equally troubled first love incorporates the literary and melodramatic elements that are characteristic of Desplechin, who has struggled to find a theatrical release in the U.S. since 2017’s Ismael’s Ghosts. Thankfully, he remains in good standing in his home country, where he continues to produce a prolific body of work that attracts many of France's leading actors. With Two Pianos, he has created a profound and reflective exploration of how we navigate our lives around our deepest regrets.”

      Check out the trailer and poster below.