Augustine

CANNES 2012 HIGHLIGHT: Alice Winocour's Augustine (France, 2012) - The complex relationship between 19th-century neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot and one of the most famous "hysterics" he treated is charted with intelligent nuance in "Augustine," an impressive debut for Gallic writer-helmer Alice Winocour. Anchored by two intense, intertwined perfs by veteran Vincent Lindon and relative newcomer Soko, a musician who also composed the pic's growling, atmospheric score, this period drama offers a coolly febrile study of madness, Victorian sexual politics and power. Fests are likely to treat this well, and the film could pick up patients in need of its cerebral arthouse medicine as a niche release offshore. Star Vincent Lindon and Chiara Mastroianni.