LEOS CARAX

Bil’s rating (out of 5):   BBBB. 

Original title:  Les Amants Du Pont-Neuf

France, 1991.   Films A2, Gaumont International, Les Films Christian Fechner.   Screenplay by Leos Carax.   Cinematography by Jean-Yves Escoffier.   Produced by Christian Fechner.   Production Design by Michel Vandestien.   Costume Design by Robert Nardone.   Film Editing by Nelly Quettier.   

Two homeless people find each other on Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris.  Denis Lavant plays an ex-circus performer whose drug and alcohol addictions have led him to the streets, while an excellent Juliette Binoche is a successful painter from a good family whose broken heart has made her give up on everything. She also has a medical infection in her eye which is slowly causing her to go blind and making her not want to be around her friends and family anymore. In the midst of their harsh existence, these two individuals find each other and discover moments of grace and comfort, a happiness which is jeopardized when Lavant realizes that Binoche might be seeking medical treatment for her eye and will end up leaving him for good. This touching film has an unflinching view of life on the streets that makes it a difficult watch but also a rewarding one.  The filming took place on the actual Pont-Neuf while it was closed for repairs.

European Film Awards:  Best European Actress (Juliette Binoche); Best European Cinematographer; Best European Editor
Nominations: Best European Film; Best European Actor (Denis Lavant)