‘The Double Life of Veronique’ (NR)

"The Double Life of Veronique" doesn't stand up to rigorous scrutiny, nor does it deserve it. It operates purely on visual juxtapositions, emotion and the presence of lead actress Irene Jacob. In its own terms, it's subtly precious.

Two identical women (both played by Jacob) are born on the same day in different countries. Veronika is Polish, Veronique French. They both have a deep talent for music. Veronika is a choir singer. Veronique is a music teacher. They also share a weak heart condition. Apart from one moment when Veronika catches a glimse of her French counterpart unknowingly photographing her, the women grow up unaware of each other. However they feel an uncanny, vague connection. "I have this feeling that I'm not alone," Veronika tells her father at one point.

In Poland, Veronika gives a solo singing performance. Ignoring troubling chest pains, she literally performs her heart out. At that moment, Veronique -- making love with a boyfriend at the time -- stops suddenly. She feels an inexplicable grief.

Soon after, someone is sending Veronique obscure messages. First, there's a telephone hangup, then a shoelace in the mail, then a cassette. On the tape are the sounds of a train station, the bustling of a waitress and a car crash. Veronique figures out the recording was made at the St. Lazare station and goes there. What she finds leads her to a greater understanding of her mirror companion.

There's something appealing and mystical about the film. Polish director Krzysztof Kieslowski, who made the awesome 10-part work, "Decalogue," shows his ability to create atmosphere. In "Veronique," images tell the story. Exposition makes dreamlike leaps. The world seems pin-drop quiet. People live in wordless ways, going about their business with silent intensity. Kieslowski creates a lovely dialogue between the two women. Of course, he has the benefit of Jacob, a pristinely featured being. She's a magnificent creature to stare at; she's childlike, sensual. Francois Truffaut reputedly once said all you need for a movie is to find a beautiful woman and let the camera run. "Double Life" illustrates that maxim perfectly.

THE DOUBLE LIFE OF VERONIQUE (Unrated) — In Polish and French with subtitles.