Review of Jules and Jim (1962) by Chris D — 09 Oct 2012

A real treat. This is the film that shot Truffaut into another realm in my opinion. Nobody can beat this guy when it comes to love and romance in film. The characters feel like real people. The first 40 minutes is purely to set the picture and to give exposition. The real drama starts once we've really gotten to know the three major characters.

The movie keeps things light with a fun score and plenty of laughs scattered throughout. The movie's shot to perfection. Truffaut keeps things smooth and casual. He's a real professional. He makes it all look so easy.

Jeanne Moreau is an absolute doll in this film. She's such a great actress, and just like she did in Elevator to the Gallows, she steals the show here. I also quite enjoyed the actor who played Jim. Moreau's Catherine may not be the most perfect girl in the world, but as the characters mention, she's a real woman and in terms of that she nailed it.

Jules and Jim is quite an accomplishment. It proves that in "love triangles" it is often the relationship of the friends rather than the lovers that actually has more love. The roller coaster ride of relationships in the film all felt authentic because the characters felt so real. The writing was so strong that it was easy for me as a viewer to relate to what was going on in the characters' heads. This tender and iconic film truly has it all.