Applause

Running time: 85 mins

?Even though you can?t tell, I am a good mother.?

The reason for the emotional impact achieved in Applause can be summed up in two words: Paprika Steen. One of the world?s most vibrant actresses (having starred in such films as Adam?s Apples, The Substitute and Open Hearts), Steen has the innate ability to make us laugh, cry and, yes, even to fear her with just a glance.

Steen?s tour-de-force performance as Thea in Martin Pieter Zandvliet?s debut film is, in short, fearless. A celebrated actress, Thea has been battling alcoholism for years?an addiction that led to her divorce and the loss of custody of her two sons. Pampered at work and lacking even the most basic social skills, Thea does not suffer fools gladly and fills the lives of those around her with a caustic, venomous sarcasm. But Thea wants her children back desperately and pleads with her ex-husband to let her spend time with them. But how far is she willing to go?

? Michael Rabehl