"Amour" is in a sticky spot overall. Down to the wire, it seems a lot of members just didn't get around to seeing it in time. This despite a campaign that began way back at Cannes. And those who did have a chance, many steered clear for fear of depressing subject matter. That's a pity, but hope springs eternal. And one of the beneficiaries of any kind of passionate goodwill the film could generate is Emmanuelle Riva. That New York Times story last week sure would have done wonders had it landed just a little bit earlier.

- Kristopher Tapley