À nous deux (1979)
Directed by Claude Lelouch

Film Review

An amusing variation on the Bonnie and Clyde story, À nous deux is fairly typical of director Claude Lelouch's films from the 1970s. An abundance of style on the cinematographic front makes up for a convoluted narrative that strains credulity as the action shifts haphazardly from location to location like a diarrhetic fugitive from justice. Enigmatic and tastefully understated performances from Jacques Dutronc and Catherine Deneuve just about make up for the weaknesses in the script, although neither of their characters is particularly believable. Lelouch had worked successfully with both actors prior to this - Deneuve in Si c'était à refaire (1976), Dutronc in Le Bon et les méchants (1976) - and their pairing is probably the most inspired thing about the film. Engaging as the stars are, both are out-classed by Jacques Villeret, who gives the most credible performance. Regrettably Villeret only appears in the first half of the film - Lelouch would make up for this by giving him a more susbtantial part in his later Édith et Marcel (1983).

Despite his worthy attempts to give the thriller genre a makeover, Lelouch still falls back on the tried and tested conventions of the familiar French policier, with many of his characters looking like blatant stereotypes. The film's excessive use of flashbacks and dream sequences is also somewhat jarring and makes the muddled narrative even harder to make sense of. One major plus point is the sumptuous cinematography, particularly the hauntingly beautiful location shots of Canada. À nous deux is a fairly average entry in Lelouch's oeuvre but it has its moments of brilliance.

Film Synopsis

Simon Lacassaigne is the son of a notorious hoodlum and has every intention of following in his father's footsteps.  His criminal career is cut short, however, when he is arrested and thrown into prison.  Showing something of his father's resourcefulness, he escapes from prison and, with the help of his uncle Musique, he finds a safe hiding place in the country.  It is here that Simon meets Françoise, who is also on the run after a lucrative blackmail scheme of hers went somewhat awry.  With the police closing in on their hideout, Simon and Françoise make a quick getaway.  United by love and a shared sense of adventure, these two outcasts soon become inseparable as they continue their desperate flight from justice.  Who knows where their journey will take them...?