Les Amitiés maléfiques (2006)
Directed by Emmanuel Bourdieu

Film Review

Emmanuel Bourdieu's second full-length film - after the tepid romantic drama Vert paradis (2003) - takes us into the cloistered, verbally florid world of literary academia and shows how easy it is for the unsuspecting to be manipulated and driven by somebody whose only talent is in controlling people.   The scenario has a great deal of potential, much of which Bourdieu fails to exploit, although he does succeed in creating a convincing set of characters and a plausible storyline.

The heavy literary tone is something of a turn off at first (unless you happen to love Racine) and it does take a while for the narrative to gel, although the quality of the performances (from a very talented young cast) helps to compensate for weaknesses in other areas.  The film is watchable and thought-provoking, but it would undoubtedly have been a more attractive proposition if there had been more humour, energy and emotion, and if Bourdieu's approach had been somewhat more daring and inspired.

Film Synopsis

At the start of a new term at university, three literature students Eloi, Alexandre and André strike up a friendship that will have life-changing repercussions.  Eloi, the son of a famous writer, feels impelled to write, but lacks the confidence to seek a publisher for his first novel.  Alexandre has an overwhelming passion for drama, but he doubts that he has the talent to succeed as an actor.  André, by contrast, is brimming with confidence, and no one has any doubt that he will go on to achieve great things.  With André's support and encouragement, Eloi and Alexandre both find the inspiration they need to make a go of their chosen career paths and look as if they may well succeed beyond their wildest dreams.  But André, the most promising of the three, a true original thinker, disappears without trace...