Depressing and Dysfunctional

I was going to write an IMDb review about 'Girls Can't Swim', but there are quite enough already there, and they seem to cover the film's story adequately. Besides, it is rather more difficult for anyone to reply to those reviews than it is to reply to posts here on the message board.

Watched this again for the second time in about five years last evening.

I hadn't remembered very much of it except for the title, and as it progressed, I could see why I couldn't recall it. It was just a totally depressing tale about a group of dysfunctional people, some of whom were related.

I agree with one reviewer, that the main character, Gwen, played by Isild Le Besco was not exactly photogenic, and her profile almost verged on the hideous. Sure, she had a nice body, but the character she was portraying evoked little or no sympathy, or even interest, from me. She just came across as a bratty, rebellious teenager, who will do whatever she wishes, with no thoughts for the consequences, or anyone else's feelings.

I found the other girl, Lise, played by Karen Alyx, to be much more down-to-earth, sympathetic, and realistic. I found myself hoping that she would succeed, and make something of herself, compared to her co-character.

So, as neither of the female leads were particularly pretty, my vote for the most attractive woman would have to go to Pascale Bussières who plays Céline, the long-suffering mother of Gwen.

I also agree with other reviewers, inasmuch as all the character development is almost nil, and the whole film leaves me with a big yawn, as I simply do not care what happens to any of them.

The ending is also a non-event. It's almost as if the entire film crew got to that shot, the director called "CUT!", and then they all went home, thus leaving the audience bemused, bewildered, and wondering where the hell the end of the movie went...

I will put this DVD back on the shelf for another five years, where I will possibly drag it out and have another look.

But I don't think so....


^V^



"The Opener of the Way is Waiting"