I have to declare a prejudice or at least an indifference before I continue.
As a straight male WASP. This story would most definitely not be my normal fare.
A Sapphic friend of mine had recorded it from national television and persuaded me to watch it with her. Not wishing to view it alone.
I subsequently learned Exarchopoulos is the youngest ever actress to receive Palme d'Or award in Cannes. And it was for the part she played in this film. I will make a direct with the late great Lauren Bacall. She was the same age as Exarchopoulos when she appeared in To Have And Have Not In her role. She exhibited such poise, professionalism and confidence. She almost acted the seasoned Humphrey Bogart ' of the screen ' Exarchopoulos on the other hand. Appeared like a rabbit which has been frightened by a reptile for much of the film. Not helped by a peculiar tick. Exhibited even when she is feigning sleep. Of keeping her lips apart and revealing to prominent upper teeth. Her wavering and indecisiveness even appeared at times. To distract Seydoux. Her co-star throughout the film.
Something which was NOT her fault for much of the film. Was her hair which appeared to have a mind of its own. I tend to be oblivious to female physical attributes. Including hair. So for me to notice it had to have been bad. Do film studios no longer employ wardrobe and makeup artists of late ?
These professionals used to be fastidious in checking their actresses and actors before they appeared before camera. In the traditional period of Holywood. Stars looked immaculate even in action sequences set in hostile environment. A great shame this little detail is no longer preserved.
These observations aside. My friend was of the opinion. That as a romantic ' chick flick ' The story worked. Despite my personal view. The sheer volume of nudity and salacious deviant behaviour Was gratuitous and excessive. That is why I am being generous in my review of the film. Which clearly met its mark despite a lamentable performance by its star. To those who enjoy Sapphic intrigues. I do commend it.
I subsequently learned Exarchopoulos is the youngest ever actress to receive Palme d'Or award in Cannes. And it was for the part she played in this film. I will make a direct with the late great Lauren Bacall. She was the same age as Exarchopoulos when she appeared in To Have And Have Not In her role. She exhibited such poise, professionalism and confidence. She almost acted the seasoned Humphrey Bogart ' of the screen ' Exarchopoulos on the other hand. Appeared like a rabbit which has been frightened by a reptile for much of the film. Not helped by a peculiar tick. Exhibited even when she is feigning sleep. Of keeping her lips apart and revealing to prominent upper teeth. Her wavering and indecisiveness even appeared at times. To distract Seydoux. Her co-star throughout the film.
Something which was NOT her fault for much of the film. Was her hair which appeared to have a mind of its own. I tend to be oblivious to female physical attributes. Including hair. So for me to notice it had to have been bad. Do film studios no longer employ wardrobe and makeup artists of late ?
These professionals used to be fastidious in checking their actresses and actors before they appeared before camera. In the traditional period of Holywood. Stars looked immaculate even in action sequences set in hostile environment. A great shame this little detail is no longer preserved.
These observations aside. My friend was of the opinion. That as a romantic ' chick flick ' The story worked. Despite my personal view. The sheer volume of nudity and salacious deviant behaviour Was gratuitous and excessive. That is why I am being generous in my review of the film. Which clearly met its mark despite a lamentable performance by its star. To those who enjoy Sapphic intrigues. I do commend it.