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Coeur

posted 17 years ago by collingonze
7 replies | jump to latest

If it weren't for that gang of magnificent actors and Resnais'direction, the film would not be really worth seeing. We are not asked to believe that this is anything but a sort of fairy tale vaguely set in a Paris on which it perpetualy snows.

Arditi, as a lonely and frightened barman tortured by a loony father who once deserted his family, is faultless. Dussolier, the even more lonely single real estate dealer, also has a meaty role but perhaps overplays it a little. Azema - who is, I think, Resnais's companion - plays a fervent Catholic believer with as much energy as anyone could but the role is, at least for her, totally unbelievable. Lambert Wilson, playing the caricature of army officer discharged for unknown reasons, is painfully credible. Laura Morante plays the only character capable of taking a decision. Alas it is the wrong one. All in all, these old time actors seem to be having a ball in a narrative that hardly exists and one never quite knows what Resnais is trying to do with them, sad sacks all. Yet I enjoyed this film in spite of its absense of focus. I suppose the fun also lies in the artificiallity of the proposal,including the set and lighting.

A good film but not to be taken seriously.

[–] channy8 17 years ago

I agree with your description, but not with the same outcome. I also could not figure out what's going on and was kind of bored for maybe two thirds of the time watching. But in the last half an hour the story got grip of me (the music also starting to get much more intense) and when the thing was finished I felt very sad, and that's what I think Resnais had in mind - no real 'story' but enfolding kind of a mirroring piece of reality he thinks one does not enough care about most of the time. Perhaps Resnais' message is as simple as that. Think of the old man lying in bed (Resnais being at the age of 85 now), ready to leave this earthly existence, who was only able to let go after having a last pleasureful experience.

[–] jaredsolano 17 years ago

I dont mean to be overly critical, but I didn't really enjoy the film. If had a few funny moments (mostly the look on Thierry's face when he was caught watching the video). It kinda played out like a soap opera with too many snowy fade outs. I wouldn't really recommend it.

[–] xm1 17 years ago

Grow up. This is the best film I've seen this year. Its lyricism proves to be too much for little boys.

[–] patitas 16 years ago

An excellent film which shows the sad reality of being alone and the impossibility of finding love. Many funny scenes, beautiful camera angles.

[–] kalqlate 16 years ago

collingonze,

You really missed the point of Azema's character, Charlotte. Being a fervent Catholic believer only played as the straigt man and contrasting element to her larger and true anathema. And if you missed that then, yeah, the movie would hardly be more than the passing of shadows. Search for my response to the question "what does the snow symbolize?" and maybe you'll form a different opinion. I thought the movie was excellent!

[–] paulk_x 16 years ago

I didn't like this film much at all. It lacks any real heart.

I can appreciate the elements of loneliness and isolation, but the characters just don't go anywhere. There really is no character development. My idea of an engaging plot isn't seeing people go back the the same situation at the beginning of the film.
The videotape just seemed like an incredibly stupid, unbelievable element of the plot.

Charlotte's didn't go anywhere, I don't know if there was meant to be questioning of her faith and deep religious themes but like everything else it ended up being shallow and meaningless.

This film is too clinical and the silly devices such as the snow only detract from it.

[–] inkscm 15 years ago

you need to watch again. the ending was not the same. for instanc nicole and dan were no longer together and she sadly left the apartment.
charlotte may be addicted to sex and narcissistic. she tapes over old stuff
as a way to heal herself(?) but is unable to competely let go.
it wasn't spoken, but perhaps lionel was gay and the whole of his life we
see deals with that.
this is the way i see them and it may be incomplete, but more can be said later. all in all, i think it was beautifully done. what got me was all the art work and antiques. where did they get the money?