Jules and Jim
1961
Directed by Francois Truffaut
I remember watching this film a long time ago, back when my sister and I would have themed movie nights. The theme of the night was French night (granted, it was not the most creative concept) and we watched French Kiss and this film while eating eclairs and french fries. That was a good night…
Damn, now I really want eclairs.
Anyway, this is one of the movies that I really, really, really want to like, but I simply can't. I am sure if there are any intellectuals out there reading this they are cringing. Stop being so dramatic, intellectuals.
For one thing, I cannot stand the psycho bitch in this movie. For those who don't know, this film is about the love triangle between Jules, his wife Catherine, and his best friend, Jim. Now, I don't want to spoil the film for anybody, but suffice to say by the end of the film you will hate Catherine too. Yes, we get it Truffaut, you hate women and we ruin men's lives.
The interesting part about this film is that Jules and Jim are both soldiers during World War II but are serving on different sides. I wish that had been explored more rather than their relationship with cuckoo bird.
So overall I found the characters to be too annoying to give this film a good rating. Of course, Catherine is nuts but what about the behavior between Jules and Jim. Bros before hoes, man.
RATING: **---
Interesting Facts:
Jean Renoir wrote a letter to Truffaut telling him how much he enjoyed the movie. Truffaut kept the letter with him for many years.
Jeanne Moreau funded a lot of the project.
I didn't like the character of Catherine either but I think the point was that no matter how maddening they can be, if you fall in love with them then you can't fall out of love with them so it's actually a positive message.
ReplyDeleteTrue, you can't help who you fall in love with.
DeleteThere are elements here that works, there is a sexual openness that heralds the sexual revolution a few years later, but, man, Catherine and Jules/Jim are such poor matches. I felt truly sorry for the little girl.
ReplyDeleteYeah I wish the story would stay the same but the characters would have been just a tad more likable.
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