Review of Regular Lovers (2005) by Nathaniel C — 05 Feb 2008

There are moments of brillances in this film caused by the same thing that hurts other scenes, the length of the takes. There are perfect shots of slow-paced real life action especially early during the riots that really hit you because they last five minutes, but that same idea doesn't work for shots of people just sitting on the couch, or passing around the opium.

However, once the plot really starts (an hour into the movie mind you) when Louis Garrel's character starts seeings an artist a new tone takes over the picture and it finds a better balance. I liked the coming of age take of this film, suggesting the May '68 riots were like teenage rebellion before their sexual outblast took over, I just wish the two could of been inter-cut more or at least transition to better so the movie felt more like one piece.

The thing this movie may do best though is stay true and grounded. The people, places, situations all feel real while only getting boring when Philippee Garrel holds the take to long. Worth seeing but nothing to special.