The Lacemaker

The Lacemaker (original title La Dentellière), directed by Claude Goretta and adapted from Pascal Lainé's Prix Goncourt winning novel, is a French-Swiss co-production starring Isabelle Huppert as Béatrice, a shy young woman working at a Paris hair salon. Béatrice falls for a student she meets on holiday and is introduced to his wealthy family and intellectual circle, but can't fit in and they separate; the film traces her deepening withdrawal and collapse. It won the Ecumenical Jury Prize at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival; Isabelle Huppert won the BAFTA for Most Promising Newcomer for the role, launching her to international fame at a young age. The film received three nominations, including Best Film, at the 3rd César Awards. Who it's for: anyone curious about a French-Swiss drama tracing a shy woman's withdrawal after being crushed by a class divide in a love affair, one that launched a young actress to international fame. Who it's not for: viewers looking for a hopeful, upbeat love story, since the film follows the character's slow collapse.