A+ Pollux (2002)
Directed by Luc Pagès

Film Review

A+ Pollux marks a promising directorial debut for Luc Pagès, who had previously won plaudits for his work as a cinematographer on such prominent films as Eric Rohmer's Conte d'hiver (1992) and Jacques Maillot's Nos vies heureuses (1999).  A slick adaptation of Philippe Jaenada's novel Le Chameau sauvage, the film impresses more with its jaunty style, so palpably expressive of the delirious nature of an amorous infatuation, than with its content, which is pretty standard fare as far as romantic comedies go these days.

A typically ebullient Gad Elmaleh is an excellent choice for the lead role.  Not only does he make a highly sympathetic love-afflicted goon of a protagonist, he brings a gusto and mild eccentricity to the film that aligns perfectly with Pagès's enjoyably vivacious cinematic style.  Cécile de France likewise brings charm and vitality aplenty, a convincing metropolitan siren whom no self-respecting heterosexual male can resist - and she also shows a surprising flair for light comedy. The two lead actors complement each other perfectly, an odd combination that is reminiscent of so many classic Hollywood pairings of the past (think Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant in Bringing Up Baby).

The one obvious let-down is the script which, despite being well-paced and witty, doesn't have much in the way of emotional depth to it.  Also, the camerawork and mise-en-scène do tend to veer towards the excessively arty on occasions - an all too conscious attempt to disguise the painful lack of substance in the plot, maybe.  However, overall,  A+ Pollux is good natured fun which succeeds magnificently in capturing the capricious and transient nature of an amorous obsession.  It may not attain the awesomely devastating poignancy of, say, Manon Lescaut, but it is a lot, lot funnier.

Film Synopsis

Halvard Sanz, a translator in his thirties, is walking out of a gendarmerie when he is hit by a tornado in human form - Pollux, the most fascinating woman he has ever set eyes on.  She has absolutely no intention of hooking another man, having only just survived one near-disastrous relationship breakdown.  Halvard already has a girlfriend, and so he too can do without the complication of embarking on another love affair.  And yet, somehow, almost against their will, these two disparate souls are drawn together by an indissoluble bond of unimaginable power.

Halvard is convinced that he has finally chanced to come across the woman of his dreams, but just when this revelation hits him Pollux suddenly disappears from his life as abruptly as she entered it.  Depressed, he mopes about town and takes whatever solace he can in alcohol.  Casually dumping his present girlfriend, the translator commits himself to looking for Pollux, seemingly without hope of ever finding her.  Then, miraculously, his efforts pay off - his ideal woman suddenly appears from nowhere.  Anxious not to lose sight of her a second time, the lovesick Halvard opens his heart and tells her what she means to him...