JakeStevens Blog

For all it's production grandeur (which IS fantastic), this film has little "heart" to it, and you end up not caring for the leads AT ALL. They're boring. The lovers on the side, on the other hand, are dynamic (the ever magnificent Raul Julia and Nastassja Kinski, who looks ravishing). ONLY when they are on screen is this film worth watching. I found myself wanting to play along with Tom Waits' score than anything else, and eventually, I grabbed my guitar and did just that. The film's ending also leaves a lot to be desired ***SPOILER***. You wish the two leads WOULD go with their flings - they're so effervescent, how could you resist? A nice try, but no cigar...

For the controversial (especially for the times) topics that this film touches on, it is handled with a careful grace by director Louis Malle, and never becomes garish or even uncomfortable, unlike modern day "coming-of-age" films (say, for instance, Running With Scissors). What sets it apart from other films in this category is you get a sense that even though these characters are well-to-do and somewhat troubled, they are, first and foremost, FAMILY. There are scenes of playful tickling, jovial banter and sincere arguments that make it feel more like watching a documentary than a fictional film. Even though the time period of the film is suppose to take place in the '50's, it feels like a '70's film through and through, and I noticed a lot in common with Truffaut's "The 400 Blows" than anything else. A fine film - give it a look see...if you can find it.