Review of Jules and Jim (1962) by Oi Ying C — 22 Oct 2009

I think this movie might be the reason people think the French are so sexually liberal. Kidding aside, I'm ashamed that I waited this long to catch this movie, but seeing it for the first time as a pristine digital transfer on the big screen made it worth holding out for.

I'm amazed at how well Truffaut paces his movies, 400 BLOWS and SHOOT THE PIANO PLAYER both move along in brilliant and brisk steps that makes them seem modern even now. The pacing in JULES AND JIM took me by surprise in how it shifts gears throughout, which was jarring at first but once I eased into it, it became a lovely experience that I won't soon forget.

I can't wait to see it again. I think this is the movie Woody Allen was imitating somewhat with VICKY CHRISTINA BARCELONA, which just makes me dislike that movie even more.