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Jules et Jim, dir François Truffaut (1962)
An atmospheric and beautifully constructed portrait of a menage
à trois and the gathering troubles of the twentieth century,
some of it conducted on bicycles
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François Truffaut's 'new wave' masterpiece is a portrait of the
passionate intersection of thee lives. Jules and Jim are artistically-minded
good-time boys in Edwardian Paris whose friendship is so strong that occupies
nearly their entire field of vision. Catheri
ne is their lover, their muse and their tormentor.
The film paints a vivid, dreamy portrait of their lives up to the onset
of the First World War. Reunited in its aftermath, the threesome find
the joys of youth impossible to recover.
Jules et Jim is in no sense a cycling film. Bicycles do, however, play
a part in the narrative and serve as a potent metaphor for youth and freedom.
The juxtaposition with the motor car is powerful and striking. Its introduction
in to the triangular relationship that is the film's focus, represents
the arrival of a new, disruptive, menace to the narrative, as well as
being the transport that delivers the plot's denouement.
The film is notable for Truffaut's use of a range of devices, such as
the incorporation of newsreel footage, freeze frames and wipes. Bicycles
were also, apparently used, for some of the 'dolly shots' for which the
film is famed. Its beautifully understated score is considered by many
to be one of the greatest film sound tracks of all time.
PS Mar 10
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