MovieChat Forums > La fille sur le pont (1999) Discussion > Start of the Movie

Start of the Movie

posted 19 years ago by neilryan666
7 replies | jump to latest

Hi all,

Could someone explain to me where Adèle was at the start of the film? I got the impression she was speaking to a psychiatrist/counsellor, but there was an audience present.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

[–] seánós 19 years ago

Well, it was never explained so there you are. One possibility is that she was getting counselling in a teaching hospital and the people were students. Or perhaps she was taking part in some kind of psychological research at a University for some cash. Either way it was a little unnerving when you noticed the other people. Still, a great way to introduce the character.

[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] neilryan666 19 years ago

I think what threw me is that she didn't appear sorry or remorseful and rather quite unapologetic for any of her actions- which is not what you would expect from someone seeking psychological help. (But I guess she could have been forced to speak to someone?)

But thanks for the replies, as you say not everything has to be totally explained.

[–] baranbb 19 years ago

Yes, a great way to introduce her character, but I thought it was some kind of legal inquisition. I had to go back and watch the beginning again because I had assumed she was speaking in the past tense about her relationship w/the knife thrower. Didn't really like the ending, it was a bit much, but it didn't spoil the film for me.

[–] amy_louis 19 years ago

I saw the American premier of this film during the Boston French Film Festival and Patrice Leconte was there. He gave a Q&A session afterwards, during which someone asked this same question. His answer was that he had intended it to be ambiguous (typically French!), but that he had been thinking along the lines of some sort talk show. It kinda makes me think of Dr. Phil.

He also said he had Vanessa Paradis in mind while he was prepping the story board. He claimed to have had a photo of her next to his work space... so, apparently, she was made for the role.

My question... anyone out there who has seen Claude Lelouche's A Man and Woman: do you think Laconte was inspired by that film for his ending on the bridge? Remarkably similar montage.

Also, another great film of Laconte's: The Widow of St-Pierre. Again, with Daniel Auteuil (my favorite Frenchie actor), and Juliette Binoche.

[–] loutx 19 years ago

^ It was taken place in a television studio because I have the script to many of the scenes in the movie including this one and the heading is "Television Studio".

*We can't stop here! This is Bat Country*

[–] zurichpoet 12 years ago

Ok. Now it makes sense. Thanks.