Review of Bonjour Tristesse (1958) by Biff M — 03 Dec 2007

This deceptive movie packs a great deal of power. On the surface it seems like a light romantic comedy that suddenly veers into Douglas Sirk territory. But like Sirk's films, there's much more here than can be gleaned from the surface.

The manner in which the characters are presented--and particularly the performances--shift a viewer's sympathy. This is a remarkably unstable film (as befitting a movie filmed in black & white and color) and of course the lack of stability is the movie's very point.

The film's final image is haunting and will stay with one for a very long time.