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

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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