The double life of Veronique (1991) (Criterion Collection, 2 DVDs)

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The Double Life of Veronique, one of the most acclaimed films by the masterful Polish auteur, Krzysztof Kieslowski (director of Dekalog and the Three Colours Trilogy), is a beautifully lyrical and enigmatic tale of duality and yearning. Co-written by Kieslowski's regular collaborator Krzysztof Piesiewicz and shot by Dekalog and Blue cinematographer Slawomir Idziak, the film also features a haunting and unforgettable musical score by the incomparable Zbigniew Preisner. Two young women lead totally separate lives in France and in Poland, one called Veronique and one called Weronika. They have no blood relation and they and their families have never met, but they are physically identical to one another, and strangely aware of each other's presence. Despite their different backgrounds, the two share the same likes and foibles, and above all both of them have a magnificent sublime voice and an extraordinary musical talent. Unfortunately each girl suffers from the same, barely detectable, cardiac malformation. They also share the same wisdom, inspiring one to unconsciously avoid making the same mistakes in life as the other... There are wonderful performances by the whole cast, but Irène Jacob is utterly captivating in the twin roles of Veronique and Weronika, her luminous performance both magical and unsettling.