Gabrielle is meant evoke purity. She's a novelty to a jaded old man who been there and done that who has a beautiful wife who, to the outside world, gives him the 'accepted' vision of what his life should be.
In France I believe it is the 'norm' to have extramarital affairs, at least they are tolerated, unlike in the UK and probably the States. So with his fame and fortune, the old guy can 'play' with the pretty little things that he is attracted to. She was probably awestruck by the attention of an older man, given that she didn't have a dad and she was taught the ways of love and so felt special. Nothing new there. He wasn't attracted to her (non) 'personality', just needed kicks to feel alive/young, I suppose.
The film didn't explore any new concepts, I was rather intrigued, if you can call it that, by the younger guy, whose character wasn't really explored enough. He also had everything - and nothing. Perhaps he wanted Gabrielle because he could never really have her, and maybe he was guilt ridden for killing his little brother and needed to atone for it in some way.
It was watchable, but not memorable - but typically French.
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