ARNAUD VIARD

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBB. 

France, 2004.  Gloria Films, Les 1001 Marches, France 2 Cinéma.  Screenplay by Arnaud Viard.  Cinematography by Pierre Cottereau.  Produced by Benoit Habert, Laurent Lavole, Philippe Portier, Isabelle Pragier, Arnaud Viard.  Music by Benjamin Biolay.  Production Design by Nicolas de Boiscuille.  Costume Design by Marine Chauveau.  Film Editing by Veronique Bruque.  

A moderately successful actor named Antoine is riding the Paris metro one afternoon and has a flirtation with a beautiful writer named Clara. They go on a date, and find their attraction to each other so strong that they can’t help but burst into song to describe their feelings. From there, things only get better, the relationship panning out to a fulfilling commitment completed by approving friends and family, until a third-act bomb falls into their laps and throws their lives into complete disarray. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, their ups and downs an emotionally tangible experience for the audience. Part Sautet, part Ozon, and a dash of Cherbourg’s Umbrellas, this romantic, dramatically satisfying treatise on love and reality vs. illusion is blessed with terrific acting and solid direction.