reviews

During the period of time that those not familiar with teaching call "summer vacation" I pledged to read two books (Frank Brady's "Endgame" and Paul Hoffman's "King's Gambit") and to obtain and to watch the film "Joueuse" ("Queen to Play"). I have already asserted my thoughts and reactions to "Endgame, so I will devote this entry to "King's Gambit" and "Queen to Play." Both of these chess-related media impressed me very favorably.

"King's Gambit" is an interesting book to read if for no other reason than for Hoffman's idea of blending autobiographical, personal, and historical (primarily chess history) material throughout the book. The reader is invited to get to know Hoffman's own history, including his painful relationship with an enigmatic father and also the author's efforts at chess. Coverage is provided of a number of important chess events including fascinating glimpses into the "behind the scenes" world of international chess. Hoffman also shares his friendships with some world class players (Nigel Short and Pascal Charbonneau.

Despite the varied nature of subject matter, Hoffman does a great job of transitioning from one to another. I found the movements between topics to be natural and easy to follow. There are so many interesting tidbits and anecdotes blended within the book that to try to recount them here would be silly. Suffice to say that the reader will be intrigued by descriptions of such people and things as a Moscow underground drug club, the personal lives of players like Irina Krush, and current FIDE President Ilyumzhinov's rather unique personality. Because the author understands chess, is an accomplished writer, and has been "embedded" in chess for decades, this is a book that conveys the world of chess in a way that a reader with no understanding of the game will enjoy.

"Queen to Play" is a very recently released film starring American actor Kevin Kline (in his first all French-speaking role) and French actress Sandrine Bonnaire. Chess plays a very large and important role throughout the film, but lest the reader think it is a chess movie, I'm not so sure I would call it that. It seems to me to be more of a story of breaking out of one's self-imposed life trap and of finding passion in an activity that helps usher in significant changes. Bonnaire plays "Helene," a woman whose life as a chambermaid, dissatisfied wife, and frustrated mother is forever altered by her discovery of chess. Not only does the game itself fascinate her, but she shows talent for it as well. Helene's passion for chess leads her to ask for instruction from one of her clients, a reclusive doctor (Kline). While there are some modestly suggestive elements in the relationship, it seems clear that what Helene wants and needs is chess understanding and confidence in herself.

I found the film to be accurate in a chess sense, but also to accurately reflect a process by which some people break out of lackluster lives by finding something inspirational and then bursting bonds of their own making to finally embrace life and living. "Queen to Play" is both a drama and a comedy, and the viewer is never quite sure when elements of either will emerge. Bonnaire is an excellent actress and plays her role to perfection - even her sly smile when she defeats over the board the organizer of the tournament (he had previously discouraged her from playing) is understated enough to make her point without losing our respect for her. Kline does a competent job as the chess-playing physician, but it is the character of Helene whom we grow closest to and most fond of. I had a hard time getting this DVD, and paid a high price for it, but this is a film that I plan to watch again, more than once.