Le Jeune marié (1983) - film review

Billy, a construction worker in the South of France, decides to get married, not because he is in love, but because he feels it is what is expected of him.  Tragically, on the day of his marriage, he meets another woman, Viviane, to whom he is instantly attracted.  Recently divorced, she lives alone with her young son, in the same apartment where Billy lives with his wife Nina.   Keeping to himself the fact that he is married, Billy begins a passionate love affair with Viviane.  Then he discovers that Nina is pregnant and he has no choice but to tell Viviane the truth...

This well-observed sentimental drama tells a poignant love story which, despite its banality, brims with charm and sincerity.  It was the first film to be directed by Bernard Stora, who rarely achieved anything quite as noteworthy in his subsequent career.  The film also affords Richard Berry one of his most memorable screen roles, with the actor putting in what is quite possibly his best performance.

Le Jeune marié is a likeable film but it isn’t without its faults.  The scripting is a little sloppy in some places and the second half is somewhat less convincing and less coherent than the first.  However, the quality of the performances and cinematography at least partly compensate for this and Stora’s evident inexperience as a director brings a sense of freshness and spontaneity which seems appropriate for the film.   This may not be a perfect piece of cinema but it has a pleasing lyrical quality, making it a deeply ironic parable on the transience of love.

© James Travers 2008

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