Love, etc. (1996)
Directed by Marion Vernoux

Film Review

Director Marion Vernoux followed up her debut feature, the wry comedy-drama Personne ne m'aime (1994), with this engaging bitter-sweet romantic comedy, which is not only written and directed with flair and sensitivity, but also benefits from an impressive principal cast comprising Charlotte Gainsbourg, Yvan Attal and Charles Berling.  Love, etc. is one of those light but far from lightweight Gallic comedies that can readily find an audience at home and abroad, putting to shame similar offerings from Hollywood which lack the same depth of feeling.

The three central characters are sympathetically and convincing played by the talented trio of lead actors, with Charlotte Gainsbourg as vivacious as ever in a made-to-measure role.  Whilst Berling and Gainsbourg give great value, it is the moody Attal who makes the deepest impression, bringing an intensely moving fragility to his portrayal of Benoît, the sympathetic loser who manages to eat cat food when he realises he is in love.

The film's seemingly off-hand title turns out to be highly appropriate.  This is a film about love in its various shades and colours.  There is the love between the two inseparable friends, Pierre and Benoît, which seems strong enough to withstand any crisis.   Marie and Benoît seem to experience two kinds of love - at first, the obvious, physical love, but then something much more subtle.  Marie has clearly fallen out of love with Benoît long before he realises it, but something still keeps them together - a kind of spiritual connection.  It is Benoît that has to tear up the marriage - not Marie, not Pierre - and he probably does so, ultimately, because of his own love for both Marie and Pierre.

Although the film does take a while to build and starts out with a slight surfeit of sentimentality, the last half of the film more than makes up for that.  This is an honest and surprisingly perceptive exploration of relationships, of friendship and love, and as such should strike a chord with anyone.

Film Synopsis

Benoît, a banker in his early thirties, and Pierre, a literature professor, have been friends for longer than either of them can remember.  The one thing they have in common is a so far unsatisfied need for someone to love.  Tired of suppers for one, Benoît finally resorts to lonely hearts ads, and this is how he comes to meet Marie, whom he is sure is the woman of his life.   Not long after Benoît and Marie's wedding, Pierre also falls in love - with Marie.  Despite appearances, Marie is also attracted to Pierre, but can she bring herself to leave Benoît to pursue a happier life with the man to whom she is more strongly attracted...?