17 reviews
the blade has 3 sides
Greetings again from the darkness. If you are one of the many who need someone to cheer for - a nice person - in order for a movie to work for you, then this latest from renowned French director Claire Denis (BEAU TREVAIL, 2019) is going to be a challenge. Ms. Denis co-wrote the script with Christine Angot (they previously collaborated on LET THE SUNSHINE IN, 2017), an adaptation of Ms. Angot's novel.
Oscar winner Juliette Binoche stars as Sara, and we first see her whilst on an idyllic retreat with her long-time lover Jean, played by screen veteran Vincent Lindon. Sara and Jean are clearly happy and in love. When they return to Paris, we learn Sara is a talk show host for Radio France International, and Jean is a former Rugby star who has spent time in prison for an unspecified crime. His son, Marcus (Issa Perica), from a previous relationship is a troubled young man being raised by Jean's elderly mother, Nelly (Bulle Ogier). Jean has little fatherly sense and makes only a negligible effort to help.
One day, Sara spots her former lover, Francois (Gregoire Colin), on the street. Maybe he sees her, maybe he doesn't. Sara is overcome with emotion. Sara and Francois were together when she began seeing Jean. To make this the most French situation possible, Francois and Jean were friends and business associates at the time. It's even implied that Jean's crime was related to activities connected to Francois. So what happens next? Well, Francois phones Jean to offer him a chance to come back into the scouting business for a new sports agency. It's at this point where Francois' motivations come into question. Is he doing his friend a solid, or worming his way back into Sara's life?
This becomes a love triangle even more complicated than most. Sara deludes herself into thinking she can once again enjoy the fruits of Francois, while also appeasing her beloved Jean. Jean is distracted by issues with Marcus, but also too proud to let Sara walk over him. On full display are the destructive effects of an affair and the lack of respect and appreciation for a strong relationship. When the power of lust and idealistic romance collide, things get emotional. Cinematographer Eric Gautier works wonders in confined spaces. We never feel like the characters have room to breathe after making another poor decision. It's interesting to see how smoking and taking calls on the apartment balcony becomes the only "space". The close-ups allow Ms. Binoche and Mr. Lindon to do what they do best. The music is by Stuart Staples and includes a song written especially for the film. Ms. Denis again proves adept at allowing viewers to interpret the actions of all-too-human characters.
Opening July 8, 2022.
Oscar winner Juliette Binoche stars as Sara, and we first see her whilst on an idyllic retreat with her long-time lover Jean, played by screen veteran Vincent Lindon. Sara and Jean are clearly happy and in love. When they return to Paris, we learn Sara is a talk show host for Radio France International, and Jean is a former Rugby star who has spent time in prison for an unspecified crime. His son, Marcus (Issa Perica), from a previous relationship is a troubled young man being raised by Jean's elderly mother, Nelly (Bulle Ogier). Jean has little fatherly sense and makes only a negligible effort to help.
One day, Sara spots her former lover, Francois (Gregoire Colin), on the street. Maybe he sees her, maybe he doesn't. Sara is overcome with emotion. Sara and Francois were together when she began seeing Jean. To make this the most French situation possible, Francois and Jean were friends and business associates at the time. It's even implied that Jean's crime was related to activities connected to Francois. So what happens next? Well, Francois phones Jean to offer him a chance to come back into the scouting business for a new sports agency. It's at this point where Francois' motivations come into question. Is he doing his friend a solid, or worming his way back into Sara's life?
This becomes a love triangle even more complicated than most. Sara deludes herself into thinking she can once again enjoy the fruits of Francois, while also appeasing her beloved Jean. Jean is distracted by issues with Marcus, but also too proud to let Sara walk over him. On full display are the destructive effects of an affair and the lack of respect and appreciation for a strong relationship. When the power of lust and idealistic romance collide, things get emotional. Cinematographer Eric Gautier works wonders in confined spaces. We never feel like the characters have room to breathe after making another poor decision. It's interesting to see how smoking and taking calls on the apartment balcony becomes the only "space". The close-ups allow Ms. Binoche and Mr. Lindon to do what they do best. The music is by Stuart Staples and includes a song written especially for the film. Ms. Denis again proves adept at allowing viewers to interpret the actions of all-too-human characters.
Opening July 8, 2022.
- ferguson-6
- Jul 6, 2022
- Permalink
Great performances that carried the film.
Both Sides of the Blade (2022) follows a couple who's lives are changed when the woman's ex boyfriend comes back into the picture. I'm not quite sure how I feel about this film. It was definitely good and packed a punch, but don't go into it expecting a gritty romance thriller. It was a very personal film and I have a lot of respect for it.
I really liked the cinematography, it was subtle yet created a significant atmosphere. The lighting choices were very good and every shot was well lit, there were some nice colour palettes too. There were plenty of extreme close-up shots that showed the characters' emotions and the shots were very long too with a lack of jump-cuts which I felt worked well.
The music used was very fitting to the tone of the film and it wasn't too overbearing which I liked. However, there was really anything to talk about in terms of general sound design and I would've liked to see more from it.
The phenomenal performances from all involved definitely carried this film. The movie was a very intimate character study and it worked well as the film spends a good amount of time to introduce us to the three main characters, who are all quite interesting and felt realistic! Also, there was quite a lot of dialogue that was very thought provoking and engaging.
The film was slow paced, and unfortunately it occasionally dragged a bit. It took a while to get into because there wasn't much driving force in terms of plot and I would've liked for there to be more to it. However, the last 20 minutes were very intense and I thoroughly enjoyed the final act.
I really liked the cinematography, it was subtle yet created a significant atmosphere. The lighting choices were very good and every shot was well lit, there were some nice colour palettes too. There were plenty of extreme close-up shots that showed the characters' emotions and the shots were very long too with a lack of jump-cuts which I felt worked well.
The music used was very fitting to the tone of the film and it wasn't too overbearing which I liked. However, there was really anything to talk about in terms of general sound design and I would've liked to see more from it.
The phenomenal performances from all involved definitely carried this film. The movie was a very intimate character study and it worked well as the film spends a good amount of time to introduce us to the three main characters, who are all quite interesting and felt realistic! Also, there was quite a lot of dialogue that was very thought provoking and engaging.
The film was slow paced, and unfortunately it occasionally dragged a bit. It took a while to get into because there wasn't much driving force in terms of plot and I would've liked for there to be more to it. However, the last 20 minutes were very intense and I thoroughly enjoyed the final act.
- becky-92346
- Nov 30, 2022
- Permalink
Cringeworthy characters
There is not a single character in Avec amour et acharnement to sustain a full viewing--I only made it to the end by telling myself it was a good way to practice my French. I really disliked all of the protagonists and found the lead, the Juliette Binoche character, especially pathetic: whiny, needy, and clingy. Her problems of self-esteem explain how she ends up with serial losers, but don't make it any easier to endure the completely overwrought dialogue of the script.
The good news is that the ending nearly redeems the rest of the film. So if you can hang on for two hours, at least you'll find something worthy of reflection after all has been said and done.
The good news is that the ending nearly redeems the rest of the film. So if you can hang on for two hours, at least you'll find something worthy of reflection after all has been said and done.
- skepticskeptical
- Oct 28, 2023
- Permalink
Terrific analysis of relationships
I have rarely seen a so accurate story, too much accurate maybe, because it may be disturbing if one way or another, you have yourself lived those situations. Awesome actors - and actress - performances that make it even more powerful. French movies are excellent in such topics, dialogues are so real, as in real life. The story is very common, without any surprise, but so well done, in a different manner than for instance Claude Sautet did in CESAR ET ROSALIE which was smoother for more or less the same plot, but Yves Montand, Samy Frey and Romy Schneider would had not fit with so extreme scenes. However maybe I am wrong. Anyway I guess that CESAR AND ROSALIE inspired Claire Denis for this film.
- searchanddestroy-1
- Jun 9, 2023
- Permalink
... ambiguous for-to a point.. or what happens when you lie about your-loins taking-charge
... Jean (Lindon) the present lover - François (Colin) the former-lover - Sara (Binoche) object-desired obsession-for-both-men... we know of them, but really know little about them (especially François).. except that Sara's a woman long-possessed by an-unsatiated-desire to return "to evil from good" (Jean's words)... there's lovemaking-sex between both pairs within the triangle that doesn't tell us much except they all still-remain-wanting-craving each-other & that François gets-firmly-rejected trying-again too-soon-for-anal-sex.. ("I said no. I want to be ready and I'm not, that's all.")
... all being well established highly acclaimed actors, there's no issues regarding-acting-quality... it's the plot-script has-questions... typical of the genre, there's much left unanswered (like-several-mentions of prison?)... maybe whatever it is, it's not necessary, as basically we have our answer to the essential parts at-the-ending... when she needs decide how-if-to remember-numbers on-her-fried-phone... you're made-needing to watch it again.. still frustratingly coming up with the same unanswered-questions
"Both Sides of the Blade isn't a film about two people seduced into destruction, but about two people who can't help but blow up the contentedly complacent lives they have - the lives they insist are what they've always wanted, despite the choices they go on to make."
... &-not-nothing... there's a sixteen year age difference between the two male actors & five years between her & the older one.
... all being well established highly acclaimed actors, there's no issues regarding-acting-quality... it's the plot-script has-questions... typical of the genre, there's much left unanswered (like-several-mentions of prison?)... maybe whatever it is, it's not necessary, as basically we have our answer to the essential parts at-the-ending... when she needs decide how-if-to remember-numbers on-her-fried-phone... you're made-needing to watch it again.. still frustratingly coming up with the same unanswered-questions
"Both Sides of the Blade isn't a film about two people seduced into destruction, but about two people who can't help but blow up the contentedly complacent lives they have - the lives they insist are what they've always wanted, despite the choices they go on to make."
... &-not-nothing... there's a sixteen year age difference between the two male actors & five years between her & the older one.
A good film based on a bad story
I haven't read the book this is based on, but after seeing the film and getting that WTF feeling, I had to see what other people thought and yes, the book was not well received. Which is in sharp contrast with the directing and acting in the film, which was really good.
In short, this film is more of a play than a film, just a few characters, a lot of talking, a lot of emoting, strong emotions that overwhelm reason. I don't like theater plays much and this film is a perfect representation of why not: a lot of noise and a story that brings little entertainment, even if - perhaps particularly when - it's well executed.
You have three major characters, two guys and a woman. The woman is with one of the guys, but has been thoroughly in love with the other one a decade prior. And suddenly he pops back up into their lives. And they can't just say "this is awkward and I will take no part in it", so they dance this ridiculous dance that has a relatively predictable poor ending. Oh, and then there is this 15 year old idiot son of one of the guys who pretty much has no bearing on the story, but wastes a lot of screen time.
You can't fault Juliette Binoche, of course, she can act better than most when she's sleepwalking, and Vincent Lindon was great, too. The direction of this story was good, too, in the sense that such a nebulous plot was made bearable. But in the end the story felt biographical, because it made little sense narratively, and all of the characters were really annoying most of the time.
In short, this film is more of a play than a film, just a few characters, a lot of talking, a lot of emoting, strong emotions that overwhelm reason. I don't like theater plays much and this film is a perfect representation of why not: a lot of noise and a story that brings little entertainment, even if - perhaps particularly when - it's well executed.
You have three major characters, two guys and a woman. The woman is with one of the guys, but has been thoroughly in love with the other one a decade prior. And suddenly he pops back up into their lives. And they can't just say "this is awkward and I will take no part in it", so they dance this ridiculous dance that has a relatively predictable poor ending. Oh, and then there is this 15 year old idiot son of one of the guys who pretty much has no bearing on the story, but wastes a lot of screen time.
You can't fault Juliette Binoche, of course, she can act better than most when she's sleepwalking, and Vincent Lindon was great, too. The direction of this story was good, too, in the sense that such a nebulous plot was made bearable. But in the end the story felt biographical, because it made little sense narratively, and all of the characters were really annoying most of the time.
So Much Dialogue
Normally a fan of Denis, Binoche and Lindon - but this really is bad.
Lots of talking and shouting, lots of unnecessary exposition, but still lots of confusion. What does this woman actually want? If Jean wants to be a good father why does he spend so little time with his son?? Did Francois ever love her, or is he just welcoming the chance to get her back into bed??? I never really found out any of this and, frankly, by the end I decided I didn't care.
With actors and a director this good, I feel you *have* to blame the script. Perhaps the source novel is just as bad (or worse). But I'm certain I'm not going to read that to find out. Hey ho.
Lots of talking and shouting, lots of unnecessary exposition, but still lots of confusion. What does this woman actually want? If Jean wants to be a good father why does he spend so little time with his son?? Did Francois ever love her, or is he just welcoming the chance to get her back into bed??? I never really found out any of this and, frankly, by the end I decided I didn't care.
With actors and a director this good, I feel you *have* to blame the script. Perhaps the source novel is just as bad (or worse). But I'm certain I'm not going to read that to find out. Hey ho.
- derek-duerden
- Jan 3, 2023
- Permalink
Woman torn between faithful lover and destructive passion
- maurice_yacowar
- Oct 17, 2022
- Permalink
Lost in itself
While the characters are interesting and the premise is solid, the overexposition in the script all throughout makes you want to jump off the balcony as it renders something with a lot of potential into a student-level film, with brilliant actors left to deliver debutant dialogue. It's lazy, preachy, pretentious and simply put lacks tension all throughout, which for any movie but especially a drama is deadly.
At the end of the day, the only character worth caring here is Jean, thanks to Vincent Lindon's delivery, but even then it's not even clear what he really wants. Francois wants Sara, Sara wants who knows what, Jean seems to want to be a good parent yet doesn't do much for it. Weak objectives which lead to a futile, slow and boring progression.
I wish I could get the time wasted watching this back.
At the end of the day, the only character worth caring here is Jean, thanks to Vincent Lindon's delivery, but even then it's not even clear what he really wants. Francois wants Sara, Sara wants who knows what, Jean seems to want to be a good parent yet doesn't do much for it. Weak objectives which lead to a futile, slow and boring progression.
I wish I could get the time wasted watching this back.
- reallosangelessunshine
- Sep 5, 2022
- Permalink
You know the movie was fabulous, because I hated Binoche's character
- dustbinmind
- Feb 10, 2024
- Permalink
so boring,unreal and disappointing
Shockingly banal - just bad
And as we should know, it all starts with a bad and uninteresting and utterly predictable script. Done a hundred times and usually done a hundred times better. Then comes directing - again, boring, overly wordy and repetitive and sometimes just weird. What's with the sometimes color and then suddenly black and white thing? Psychological hints of something? Just a whole lot of pretension. The two main persons supposedly had a lovingly (mon amour, mon amour, mon amour) relationship going on?
She is some kind of intellectual, a radio journalist who always says exactly what a 'radio journalist' is supposed to say - predictable and pretentious empty words again - and, out of prison since 9 years seems to have lived off this woman, no job or anything - and now starts working (we never find out what he's supposedly doing), well, he begins to work, what a coincidence with an ex of his wife or girlfriend - we don't know that either and from then on everything breaks down, confusion left and right.
Underscored is the whole thing in the first part mostly with schmaltzy music and in the second with some darkish drones that should alert the audience that. Not all is fine and dandy in the house.
Acting-wise, obviously the main actors are seasoned pros, they do what they do or were told to do - it's tiring to watch them.
I rather watch for the hundredth time 'Who's a fraud of Virginia Woolf'.
She is some kind of intellectual, a radio journalist who always says exactly what a 'radio journalist' is supposed to say - predictable and pretentious empty words again - and, out of prison since 9 years seems to have lived off this woman, no job or anything - and now starts working (we never find out what he's supposedly doing), well, he begins to work, what a coincidence with an ex of his wife or girlfriend - we don't know that either and from then on everything breaks down, confusion left and right.
Underscored is the whole thing in the first part mostly with schmaltzy music and in the second with some darkish drones that should alert the audience that. Not all is fine and dandy in the house.
Acting-wise, obviously the main actors are seasoned pros, they do what they do or were told to do - it's tiring to watch them.
I rather watch for the hundredth time 'Who's a fraud of Virginia Woolf'.
Wow
As an Avid movie goer I found Both Sides of the Blade as one of the best movies I have watched in the last few years. It reminded me on Red, Blue, White and Double Life of Veronica. In a way it is not as deep as those movies; it has a very simple plot depicting human psyche, emotions, insecurities, doubts, desire, relationships and it's challenges that can happen to anyone in the real life. If you're into art cinema you will be very happy watching this one. Both protoganists Juliette Binoche and Vincent Lindon act incredibly well. JB act makes this movie close to a masterpiece.
- farhad-rosh
- Jul 15, 2022
- Permalink
Another specie?
When a film is not a science fiction, set on another planet, the characters are expected to be Homo Sapiens, and therefore to behave and think as such. This is not the case with this film. The characters' behaviors bear no relation to everything known about human behavior throughout history. Feelings, reasoning, actions, nothing resembles the humans we know. If it was meant to be surreal, it did. Why a cast of this quality accepts making a film without any logic, is a mystery to be elucidated. I got angry at the end of the projection. I've been robbed was the feeling that came over me. Dont waist your time anda attention. Run!
Trully insightful into the dynamics of relationships
Denis, with the acting skills of Binoche, has found depth that was probably not in the novel.
As with all relationships, Jean (Lindon) & Sara (Binoche), it is not quite as it seems, initially.
Of course, there is some serious history that is aluded to early on, and then it explodes when an ex-friend, work colleague and lover comes on the scene.
The responses by each of the three is very 'telling', leading to intense interactions.
Highly recommend as an insight into the complexities of intimate relationships especially in middle-age when the wounds of the past have not fully healed.
As with all relationships, Jean (Lindon) & Sara (Binoche), it is not quite as it seems, initially.
Of course, there is some serious history that is aluded to early on, and then it explodes when an ex-friend, work colleague and lover comes on the scene.
The responses by each of the three is very 'telling', leading to intense interactions.
Highly recommend as an insight into the complexities of intimate relationships especially in middle-age when the wounds of the past have not fully healed.
- charnwood-60525
- Mar 25, 2022
- Permalink
Not a stellar addition to her filmography
Christine Angot's novel Un tournant de la vie is filmed as Avec amour et acharnement and the results are mixed. I have been a fan of Claire Denis' work since Chocolat; she has always struck me as someone who has her finger on society's pulse better than most directors do. I wonder if her purpose here was to do a remake of Jules et Jim--certainly that's the feeling I'm left with as I watch Binoche fighting with Lindon as he tries to make her admit that she kissed Colin at the reception. The skill of these three actors is so evident, but so is the thinness of the script. Why show Binoche at the radio station interviewing the footballer Lilian Thuram talking about racism, it adds nothing to the story. Lindon's past as a rugby player and his prison sentence are only alluded to, surely they need further development. Gregoire Colin has made six films with Denis and fits in with her plan so well but I wish his part had been bigger. See this one if you are a Denis completist.
Denis is always worth a watch
Not going to claim this is the best one by Denis, but it is still a good go by the 70-plus French stalwart. If anyone else had made a movie out of the Angot novel, it would not be anywhere near as good. Denis gets terrific work out of the troupers Lindon and Binoche, and finds real depth in material, that maybe is not all that deep actually.
Next time around, she brings to the screen one of the late novels by the wonderful American writer, Denis Johnson. No relation, of course.
Next time around, she brings to the screen one of the late novels by the wonderful American writer, Denis Johnson. No relation, of course.