Second day of French weekend

Films/DVD Asylum

Movies from comedy to drama to your favorite Hollyweird Star.

I didn't intend it to be French, just happened that way - the four films were simply randomly pulled from the shelf.
The first two I already covered. Of the second pair the first film was He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not with Audrey Tautou.
The film would perhaps be a rather formulaic account (especially the ending that you have seen thousands of times in many lame thrillers before) of a deadly love obsession, except done with good French taste, if not for a good, even if not too unique, a twist. Audrey plays not her usual good girl, but a dianolical cutie, and her performance is not exactly top grade for the simple reason there is not too much for her to play - it is mostly done for her by the others, incuding the director. She still gives us plenty of her gazelle eyes, and by now the directors should realize they should start playing it more subtely, and she is very good overall, just not the major festival winner.
As a light fare that DOES have that aforementioned twist, it is recommended.
The second one is more problematic. Leos Carax is considered an important tirector by some, and this is his early film: Mauvais sang (Night is Young) from 1986.
It si a long and at times tedious crime story, with HEAVY concentration on love... and if that sounds like an unusual combination, it ain't.
Leos Carax gave us Paula X as his last work, and I would rate that one as a complete disaster - "pretentious crap" sounds about right. From that perspective Mauvais sang ironically has more to offer, albeit in a simple package.
While the whole film is not exactly the most balanced of packages, the duet (or duel, rather) of young Juliette Binoche and the unforgettable Denis Lavant, who have us a wonderful performance as the evil guy in Beau Travail, is something not to forget quickly.
I am not a great fan of Juliette, but in this early film she (she is 22 there) is simply incredible.
Their interplay is wonderful and if you are in the mood for slow rarration of their story, then you will not be disappointed.
Denis Lavant would be convincing if his role allowed him, but boxed tightly in it, he still manages to touch your heart... don't know how he does, he ain't another pretty face.
Michel Piccoli, Julie Delpy and Serge Reggiani (in his very limited role) add nice icing to the cake. It is not a major film by any stretch of imagination, but as a semi-abstract canvas it can stand on its own. There is enough sheer poetry in it to attrack the art movie lovers... too bad those looking for another caper will be disappointed with its slow motion and lack of action.
But such is life.

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Topic - Second day of French weekend - Victor Khomenko 06:18:02 03/29/04 (1)

Despite Audrey's gazelle eyes and pneumatic lips and breasts . . . - albee33 19:32:23 03/30/04 (0)

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