Review of Jules and Jim (1962) by Brian E — 19 Sep 2009

Francois Truffaut's 'Jules and Jim' drags the viewer through the course of 25 or so years of a very interesting and emotionally poetic love triangle - through youth, war, child-bearing, post-marriage qualms - it's quite the emotional drag.

Jim helps Jules find a Parisian woman of his dreams - and after several set-ups, they come across Catherine, a confusing, yet excitingly beautiful and adventurous complex woman. Long after Jules and Catherine get married and have a daughter, Catherine becomes bored and shows interest in Jim.

Jules, in favor of friendship, comfortably accepts his marriage's end and gives Jim permission to receive her. We soon find out that nothing satisfies a complex woman. Watching this wonderfully quirky approach on a love triangle was much like watching a romantically philosophical Godard film (Truffaut's partner in crime in launching the French New Wave movement in film during the 50's), though more perfected and well-pronounced, and less experimental.

These are all characters easy to relate to for all runs of relationships, and this may be one of the very best love stories ever told.