Review of Jules and Jim (1962) by Simon M — 04 Dec 2008

I agree with what many have said here already. While Catherine may have provided some kind of on-screen embodiment of proto-feminism in the early 1960s - as a woman who follows her heart, desires, whims even, and flies in the face of social expectations etc. - watching this (still) classic film today, amid the hangover from the 'free love' party, she seems more a prototype for the chronic narcissism, selfishness and fear of commitment that marks much of our contemporary age.

Jules was for me the most moving character, for he seemed to be the only one who understood the psychological underpinnings of Catherine's attempts and failures at loving. He was clearly too forgiving and accommodating towards Catherine, but I sensed in him a knowingness and a subtle kind of resignation which seemed to say 'I know this is not ideal, but what else can I expect from people who live in a society like this?' Perhaps I am speculating too much here :-).